Right now the Astros are showing every sign of being a team that WILL be in contention for the NL Central title in 2009. Amazing as that statement may seem with the club still two games under .500 I really believe it... for now.
The reason for the optimism is because the pitching has been so good over the last month that GM Ed Wade essentially told Mgr. Cecil Cooper there is no way to cut back to five starters once Mike Hampton rejoined the active roster on Tuesday. This makes a lot of sense. If you really have been paying attention to the club and not just occasionally checking the stats you would know that Mike Hampton, Brian Moehler and Felipe Paulino have been pitching FAR better lately than their stats would indicate. Sort of like in the Wizard of Oz when the wizard, when uncovered by Toto tells everyone not to pay attention to the man behind the curtain. In this case, don't get too involved with the stats--unless you are only looking at what the team has done in the last month.
Along that line we move to the bullpen--the other part of the pitching staff. Jose Valverde's struggles at times aside, the bullpen era for June is only 2.49. Not only is that outstanding its the best there is. When the Astros had to make a roster move to activate Hampton they were forced to send Wesley Wright down. Again, he shows a 5.30 ERA, but that is NOT an indication of how he has pitched since he came back up. He has been very effective. He will be again when he comes back which is only an injury away.
And that is the potential downfall with the Astros staff. Already without Doug Brocail for most of the first half the number of older pitchers is worrisome. Older anything, pitchers, outfielders, infielders or announcers are more likely to suffer injuries during a long baseball season. (I tossed in announcers because I think I have a groin injury sustained jogging Monday.) If the injuries hit at the wrong time (except for me) the club could have trouble.
Still, I like this team. Miguel Tejada while showing diminishing skills defensively at shortstop can still hit better than 95% of the shortstops in baseball. Pudge Rodriguez may no longer be a .300 hitter, but is on a pace for 15-20 HR and 70 rbis. He doesn't block balls in the dirt as well as Ausmus did, but he hits a whole lot better and still has a solid arm. He also works darn well with his pitchers.
The bench and pinch hitters may not be what is ultimately needed, but there is still plenty of time for Darin Erstand and Jason Michaels to find a better grove. Humberto Quintero is a much more confident catcher who is showing that hitting ability he showed in the minors and early in his career.
No, I like this team--especially in the context that is the NL Central Division. Its gonna be fun to see how this all plays out.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Fans are Great--Most of the Time
There is no question that great home town fan support helps get players adrenaline flowing and can result in better perfomances. Consider how much nicer it is to have 30,000 fans behind you at Minute Maid Park than it has to be for the Pittsburgh Pirates and their "crowds" that often only barely reach five figures.
That whole opening paragraph was a simple prelude to how fans can hurt the home team, too. One did just that on Sunday when he reached over and touched a live fair ball that had been hit by Hunter Pence and was on the way to the deep left field corner. Two runs would have scored. Except by touching the ball it was dead and Pence and all base runners were awarded two bases. That mean Carlos Lee who expended as much energy scoring from first base as he had in the last two years was returned to third. That is where he died. At the time that cut the Astros lead from 3-1 back to 2-1. The Astros eventually got a third run, but as it turned out they really needed the one they lost.
When Jose Valverde crashed in the ninth by walking Marcus Thames with two out and then giving up a tape measure home run to Brandon Inge the Astros lost by a run... that one run that would have at least kept the game tied.
So fans are great. Their ticket and concessions purchases pay the large bulk of the bills. You can't play major league baseball without them. But sometimes they can be a part of the game that they have no business being. Sunday was one of those days.
OFF TO SAN DIEGO
The Astros left for San Diego following the Sunday game. They will have four games there. Beginning the series they will be three games under .500 and four games out of the top spot in the NL Central. A win Sunday would have made it one under and three off the top spot. That is again how important that game was. Still, the club won two of three from a good Detroit team a
nd have finished interleague play at 6-9. Not good, but not near the bottom in that department. Roy Oswalt gets the start in game one.
WILL ANYONE GET HOT IN THE NLC?
At the moment the answer appears to be no. However, for all you doubters out there, do not discount the Astros chances. Lots of good signs including Lance Berkman looking much better at the plate, Kazuo Matsui stroking the ball well and the starting pitching staff so solid that Coop actually has a tough call on who will make up the main five. If you look at earned run averages it doesnt look as good as it has been performing the last month. Only Wandy Rodriguez and Russ Ortiz actually have good ERAs, but others are well under what the numbers show. Felipe Paulino the best example, but you can include Brian Moehler and Mike Hampton. No one has been absolutely solid ever game out...including Oswalt and Rodriguez. But on balance this staff is coming along. Can anyone say with certainty that the Cards, Brewers or Cubs will get hot? None of them have yet. The NL Central at least for now is a legitimate grab bag. Don't automatically discount the Astros.
That whole opening paragraph was a simple prelude to how fans can hurt the home team, too. One did just that on Sunday when he reached over and touched a live fair ball that had been hit by Hunter Pence and was on the way to the deep left field corner. Two runs would have scored. Except by touching the ball it was dead and Pence and all base runners were awarded two bases. That mean Carlos Lee who expended as much energy scoring from first base as he had in the last two years was returned to third. That is where he died. At the time that cut the Astros lead from 3-1 back to 2-1. The Astros eventually got a third run, but as it turned out they really needed the one they lost.
When Jose Valverde crashed in the ninth by walking Marcus Thames with two out and then giving up a tape measure home run to Brandon Inge the Astros lost by a run... that one run that would have at least kept the game tied.
So fans are great. Their ticket and concessions purchases pay the large bulk of the bills. You can't play major league baseball without them. But sometimes they can be a part of the game that they have no business being. Sunday was one of those days.
OFF TO SAN DIEGO
The Astros left for San Diego following the Sunday game. They will have four games there. Beginning the series they will be three games under .500 and four games out of the top spot in the NL Central. A win Sunday would have made it one under and three off the top spot. That is again how important that game was. Still, the club won two of three from a good Detroit team a
nd have finished interleague play at 6-9. Not good, but not near the bottom in that department. Roy Oswalt gets the start in game one.
WILL ANYONE GET HOT IN THE NLC?
At the moment the answer appears to be no. However, for all you doubters out there, do not discount the Astros chances. Lots of good signs including Lance Berkman looking much better at the plate, Kazuo Matsui stroking the ball well and the starting pitching staff so solid that Coop actually has a tough call on who will make up the main five. If you look at earned run averages it doesnt look as good as it has been performing the last month. Only Wandy Rodriguez and Russ Ortiz actually have good ERAs, but others are well under what the numbers show. Felipe Paulino the best example, but you can include Brian Moehler and Mike Hampton. No one has been absolutely solid ever game out...including Oswalt and Rodriguez. But on balance this staff is coming along. Can anyone say with certainty that the Cards, Brewers or Cubs will get hot? None of them have yet. The NL Central at least for now is a legitimate grab bag. Don't automatically discount the Astros.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Things to Make You Wonder
Ever wonder just how poorly the National League is doing in Interleague play this season? Well, heading into Saturday's games the AL had a 122-101 advantage. Only the Florida Marlins were doing especially well in the NL at 10-5. The World Champ Phillies were a woeful 4-11 with two games left. (Note: They DID win 10-0 on Saturday--the stats I cite here do not include Saturday or Sunday's final interleague games. The Astros are 4-8 into their second game with Detroit.
Over in the AL four teams had won ten or more interleague games. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are tops at 11-4.
So why does the AL have the NL's number. Forget the use of the DH since both sides use it whenever in AL cities. It may be nothing more than during the current baseball cycle the AL has more good teams. Remember this has no bearing on who wins the World Series. The NL has held its own when pitting league champs. But the depth of good teams in the AL is certainly evident right now. The National League used to be like that in the 50s and 60s, yet the Yankees won a lot of World Series.
ASTROS BAD ROAD DRAW
While the Astros home attendance won't likely hit the three million mark this season a goal of 2.5 million is still within range. That will keep the club in the upper ranges of baseball. So why are they such a bad draw on the road? Through Friday's games the average Astro crowd on the road is only 25,896. That is the worst in the National League and third worst in all of major league baseball. Only the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals attract fewer fans on the road. Now part of the reason for the Astros low position is the number of games they have played in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have the lowest home attendance average in all of baseball at just 18,075. The Astros don't play anymore games in Pittsburgh and have a bunch left in Chicago and St. Louis. Their low road standing won't last.
LANCE ISN'T THAT FAR OFF
Astro first baseman Lance Berkman is not having a typical Berkman season. His average is only .251. But he really isn't as far off track as one might think. His home run and RBI totals of 16 and 42 respectively put him on a pace to hit more than 30 and drive in over 100 again. And while his average is a career low for this point of the season it has been on a steady, but very slow climb for several weeks. In recent games Lance has hit more balls hard including his two opposite field home runs on Thursday. During Berkman's career his post 70 game production has been better than the first 70 in four of his previous eight seasons. In each of those improvement years he had slow starts just like 2009.
HOF VOTERS IN QUANDRY
When all the star plays who were accussed of, suspected of, or proven to have actually used performance enhancing drugs are eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame the voters will have to make some tough decisions. More and more may be leaning toward recognizing "The Steroid Era" and not holding use of PEDs against the players.
A recent OP-Ed piece in the New York Times suggested as much. Contributor Zev Chafets pointed out that players have used whatever they could get to enhance performance since the early years of the game. According to Chafets as far back as 1889 pitcher Pud Galvin ingested monkey testosterone. Other players used alcohol in excess to calm nerves. In fact, during prohibition pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander was often inebriated on the mound and none less than Bill Veeck claimed that Alexander was a better pitcher when drunk according to the piece.
The point that Chafets makes...and more and more are agreeing with-- is that it is folly to arbitrarily ban some from the Hall. That what the players were doing--while possibly illegal and/or immoral -was nothing new. The two players cited above are full members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, by the way.
There have been many other examples. Better to just recognize the era we recently passed through as the "dead ball era", "lively ball era" and now "lively body--or steroid era"
Over in the AL four teams had won ten or more interleague games. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are tops at 11-4.
So why does the AL have the NL's number. Forget the use of the DH since both sides use it whenever in AL cities. It may be nothing more than during the current baseball cycle the AL has more good teams. Remember this has no bearing on who wins the World Series. The NL has held its own when pitting league champs. But the depth of good teams in the AL is certainly evident right now. The National League used to be like that in the 50s and 60s, yet the Yankees won a lot of World Series.
ASTROS BAD ROAD DRAW
While the Astros home attendance won't likely hit the three million mark this season a goal of 2.5 million is still within range. That will keep the club in the upper ranges of baseball. So why are they such a bad draw on the road? Through Friday's games the average Astro crowd on the road is only 25,896. That is the worst in the National League and third worst in all of major league baseball. Only the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals attract fewer fans on the road. Now part of the reason for the Astros low position is the number of games they have played in Pittsburgh. The Pirates have the lowest home attendance average in all of baseball at just 18,075. The Astros don't play anymore games in Pittsburgh and have a bunch left in Chicago and St. Louis. Their low road standing won't last.
LANCE ISN'T THAT FAR OFF
Astro first baseman Lance Berkman is not having a typical Berkman season. His average is only .251. But he really isn't as far off track as one might think. His home run and RBI totals of 16 and 42 respectively put him on a pace to hit more than 30 and drive in over 100 again. And while his average is a career low for this point of the season it has been on a steady, but very slow climb for several weeks. In recent games Lance has hit more balls hard including his two opposite field home runs on Thursday. During Berkman's career his post 70 game production has been better than the first 70 in four of his previous eight seasons. In each of those improvement years he had slow starts just like 2009.
HOF VOTERS IN QUANDRY
When all the star plays who were accussed of, suspected of, or proven to have actually used performance enhancing drugs are eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame the voters will have to make some tough decisions. More and more may be leaning toward recognizing "The Steroid Era" and not holding use of PEDs against the players.
A recent OP-Ed piece in the New York Times suggested as much. Contributor Zev Chafets pointed out that players have used whatever they could get to enhance performance since the early years of the game. According to Chafets as far back as 1889 pitcher Pud Galvin ingested monkey testosterone. Other players used alcohol in excess to calm nerves. In fact, during prohibition pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander was often inebriated on the mound and none less than Bill Veeck claimed that Alexander was a better pitcher when drunk according to the piece.
The point that Chafets makes...and more and more are agreeing with-- is that it is folly to arbitrarily ban some from the Hall. That what the players were doing--while possibly illegal and/or immoral -was nothing new. The two players cited above are full members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, by the way.
There have been many other examples. Better to just recognize the era we recently passed through as the "dead ball era", "lively ball era" and now "lively body--or steroid era"
Friday, June 26, 2009
The First Day with the Big Guys
The Astros made it official Friday after first round draft pick Jiovanni Mier passed his physical and signed his contract by introducing him to the Houston media--and the Houston Astros.
After the news conference Mier donned a uniform (with #1 and his name emblazoned on the back) and hit the Minute Maid Park field. At the time the Astros were stretching in right field prior to batting practice. Mier was sent out to join the group. All eyes were on it especially when Manager Cecil Cooper yelled to Carlos Lee that it would cost him a $10 fine. The presumption was that would be for anything to make the new pro overly uncomfortable. Lee was heard to say he didn't know who the guy was anyway. He learned. After moving Mier away from his spot between Lance Berkman and Carlos, Jiovanni was seen taking a run out to centerfield.
When came back the players took turns shaking his hand and welcoming him to pro ball. Most notable was the handshake and hug between Mier and Miguel Tejada. Mier was quoted as saying after the Astros drafted him that a scout told him the club was looking to get rid of Tejada and shortstop would be open. No doubt a lot was lost in the translation. Eighteen year olds don't figure to EVER be in competition with 37 year olds. Mier won't be an Astro for at least a few years.
In fact, the odds are not certain he will ever be with the club. At least first round draft picks do better than those drafted later. Hunter Pence from 2004 is the most recent #1 to play for the Astros.
One former #1 ,Lance Berkman, was my pregame guest on Astros-TV Friday. I told him I remembered the day he signed. I was in the booth with Brownie for the telecast at the Astrodome and Lance came up and talked with us. I had known Lance as a collegian at Rice and had done play by play for a number of his games. I was sure he would be an Astro down the line. Lance said today though that back in 1997 he wasn't so sure. He said he could feel the nervousness that Mier had to feel today, but there was one thing today that they didn't do in 1997 and that was do pre game stretching as a team in the outfield. Lance dressed and took batting practice and then he was off to start his career. The same thing will be in store for Mier. As a teenager he won't likely be seen back in Minute Maid Park for a few years. He'll be starting his career at Greenville, TN. The Astro scouts, however, think he is the real thing and will ultimately play a nice career in Houston colors.
ODDS N ENDS
Felipe Paulino told me he is a "go" for a start on Saturday. That will require a roster move either tonite for tomorrow before the game. Mike Hampton pitched a simulated game Friday and pronounced himself fit to go next Tuesday in San Diego. That will require another roster move. There will be a third move probably after Sunday's game before the San Diego and San Francisco trip starts. Geoff Blum will be back from his rehab and activated.
Coach Gene Lamont, SS Adam Everett (who will be my pre game interview on Astros Live Pregame on Saturday) and Josh Anderson are all former Astros with the Tigers. Other familiar names from the National League include Edwin Jackson and Placido Polanco. Of course Manager Jim Leyland and coaches Lloyd McClendon, Rafael Belliard and Andy Van Sliyke have long NL credentials, too. Former Astro farmhand in the Randy Johnson trade in '98- Carlos Guillen is on the DL as well as former Marlin hurler Dontrelle Willis.
After the news conference Mier donned a uniform (with #1 and his name emblazoned on the back) and hit the Minute Maid Park field. At the time the Astros were stretching in right field prior to batting practice. Mier was sent out to join the group. All eyes were on it especially when Manager Cecil Cooper yelled to Carlos Lee that it would cost him a $10 fine. The presumption was that would be for anything to make the new pro overly uncomfortable. Lee was heard to say he didn't know who the guy was anyway. He learned. After moving Mier away from his spot between Lance Berkman and Carlos, Jiovanni was seen taking a run out to centerfield.
When came back the players took turns shaking his hand and welcoming him to pro ball. Most notable was the handshake and hug between Mier and Miguel Tejada. Mier was quoted as saying after the Astros drafted him that a scout told him the club was looking to get rid of Tejada and shortstop would be open. No doubt a lot was lost in the translation. Eighteen year olds don't figure to EVER be in competition with 37 year olds. Mier won't be an Astro for at least a few years.
In fact, the odds are not certain he will ever be with the club. At least first round draft picks do better than those drafted later. Hunter Pence from 2004 is the most recent #1 to play for the Astros.
One former #1 ,Lance Berkman, was my pregame guest on Astros-TV Friday. I told him I remembered the day he signed. I was in the booth with Brownie for the telecast at the Astrodome and Lance came up and talked with us. I had known Lance as a collegian at Rice and had done play by play for a number of his games. I was sure he would be an Astro down the line. Lance said today though that back in 1997 he wasn't so sure. He said he could feel the nervousness that Mier had to feel today, but there was one thing today that they didn't do in 1997 and that was do pre game stretching as a team in the outfield. Lance dressed and took batting practice and then he was off to start his career. The same thing will be in store for Mier. As a teenager he won't likely be seen back in Minute Maid Park for a few years. He'll be starting his career at Greenville, TN. The Astro scouts, however, think he is the real thing and will ultimately play a nice career in Houston colors.
ODDS N ENDS
Felipe Paulino told me he is a "go" for a start on Saturday. That will require a roster move either tonite for tomorrow before the game. Mike Hampton pitched a simulated game Friday and pronounced himself fit to go next Tuesday in San Diego. That will require another roster move. There will be a third move probably after Sunday's game before the San Diego and San Francisco trip starts. Geoff Blum will be back from his rehab and activated.
Coach Gene Lamont, SS Adam Everett (who will be my pre game interview on Astros Live Pregame on Saturday) and Josh Anderson are all former Astros with the Tigers. Other familiar names from the National League include Edwin Jackson and Placido Polanco. Of course Manager Jim Leyland and coaches Lloyd McClendon, Rafael Belliard and Andy Van Sliyke have long NL credentials, too. Former Astro farmhand in the Randy Johnson trade in '98- Carlos Guillen is on the DL as well as former Marlin hurler Dontrelle Willis.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bad News Bears Win Again
OK, the Astros aren't really the Bad News Bears, but they played like it on Thursday. The Bad News Bears often played sloppily, but won the game in the end. That's exactly what happened Thursday against the Royals.
Consider that starting pitcher Brian Moehler was touched for four runs in five innings, but only ONE of them was earned. That gives you an idea of the comedy that was not so funny at the time. Wild throws, dropped throws, bases untouched and plays unmade all contributed to the Royals taking a lead early in the game. Moehler actually started the "comedy" when he was unable to make a play on a ball hit back up the middle that should--or at least could--have been playable. After that it was his buddies on the infield... Keppinger, Matsui, Tejada and Quintero that contributed.
Notably absent from the defensive lapses was first sacker Lance Berkman. He had made a key error on Wednesday night that opened the door to a tying rally in the 9th which ultimately resulted in an 11th inning Kansas City victory.
On Thursday Lance was nothing but hero. He cracked a two run homer to give the Astros a 2-1 lead and drive in his career 1000th and 1001st runs. That puts him in a class that only includes Biggio, Bagwell and now Berkman in Astro annals.
Berkman wasn't finished either. He singled off the left field wall and later hit another two run homer that wiped out another KC lead and gave the Astros their final margin of victory.
All of his hits were to the opposite field and both homers into the Landry's Crawford Boxes. After the game Lance told me on the post game interview that nothing was planned. He wasn't trying to hit the ball the other way, the pitches were just such that hitting to the opposite field was the way to go. Few have done it any better than Lance.
With the rest of the teams in the NL Central losing to American League teams the Astros gained back the game they lost in the standings on Wednesday and trail the division leaders by five games. They are still, however, under .500. Gaining will not be easy the rest of this homestand as the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers come to town Friday. Justin Verlander and his 100+ mph fastball will start. Action begins on FS Houston with Astros Live Pregame at 6:30. First pitch at 7:05.
PAULINO BACK?
The Astros.com website was reporting Thursday that Felipe Paulino will be activated prior to Saturday's game and will be the starter. Cecil Cooper had been not saying that specifically but was leading reporters the think that was the likely scenario. Of course, that will require a roster shuffle just as will be required when Geoff Blum is ready to return. One cannot totally discount the possibility of trades, but more likely one pitcher will be sent to Round Rock and the same for one infielder. Teams don't like to totally release players unless that is definitely the only rational option. They like to keep as many major league calibre players under their control. This normally results in those that have options being sent up and down as much as necessary. Geoff Geary is a pitcher they took a chance they could retain even if he was designated for assignment and eligible to declare free agency. Geary elected to stick with the Astros system and keep playing under his major league contract, but in Round Rock. Would Brandon Backe, for example, do the same in the same circumstance? Based on performance and current role with the Astros Backe is not an important pitcher for the big league club right now. He cannot be sent to the minors outright on waivers since he has too much major league service time. He can only be released after clearing waivers, designated for assignment--in which he would have the right to declare himself a free agent-- or be traded. Will it come to that or will the Astros simply use the options they still have on Fulchino or Wright? We should know by Saturday.
Consider that starting pitcher Brian Moehler was touched for four runs in five innings, but only ONE of them was earned. That gives you an idea of the comedy that was not so funny at the time. Wild throws, dropped throws, bases untouched and plays unmade all contributed to the Royals taking a lead early in the game. Moehler actually started the "comedy" when he was unable to make a play on a ball hit back up the middle that should--or at least could--have been playable. After that it was his buddies on the infield... Keppinger, Matsui, Tejada and Quintero that contributed.
Notably absent from the defensive lapses was first sacker Lance Berkman. He had made a key error on Wednesday night that opened the door to a tying rally in the 9th which ultimately resulted in an 11th inning Kansas City victory.
On Thursday Lance was nothing but hero. He cracked a two run homer to give the Astros a 2-1 lead and drive in his career 1000th and 1001st runs. That puts him in a class that only includes Biggio, Bagwell and now Berkman in Astro annals.
Berkman wasn't finished either. He singled off the left field wall and later hit another two run homer that wiped out another KC lead and gave the Astros their final margin of victory.
All of his hits were to the opposite field and both homers into the Landry's Crawford Boxes. After the game Lance told me on the post game interview that nothing was planned. He wasn't trying to hit the ball the other way, the pitches were just such that hitting to the opposite field was the way to go. Few have done it any better than Lance.
With the rest of the teams in the NL Central losing to American League teams the Astros gained back the game they lost in the standings on Wednesday and trail the division leaders by five games. They are still, however, under .500. Gaining will not be easy the rest of this homestand as the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers come to town Friday. Justin Verlander and his 100+ mph fastball will start. Action begins on FS Houston with Astros Live Pregame at 6:30. First pitch at 7:05.
PAULINO BACK?
The Astros.com website was reporting Thursday that Felipe Paulino will be activated prior to Saturday's game and will be the starter. Cecil Cooper had been not saying that specifically but was leading reporters the think that was the likely scenario. Of course, that will require a roster shuffle just as will be required when Geoff Blum is ready to return. One cannot totally discount the possibility of trades, but more likely one pitcher will be sent to Round Rock and the same for one infielder. Teams don't like to totally release players unless that is definitely the only rational option. They like to keep as many major league calibre players under their control. This normally results in those that have options being sent up and down as much as necessary. Geoff Geary is a pitcher they took a chance they could retain even if he was designated for assignment and eligible to declare free agency. Geary elected to stick with the Astros system and keep playing under his major league contract, but in Round Rock. Would Brandon Backe, for example, do the same in the same circumstance? Based on performance and current role with the Astros Backe is not an important pitcher for the big league club right now. He cannot be sent to the minors outright on waivers since he has too much major league service time. He can only be released after clearing waivers, designated for assignment--in which he would have the right to declare himself a free agent-- or be traded. Will it come to that or will the Astros simply use the options they still have on Fulchino or Wright? We should know by Saturday.
Hats Off to LSU They Hit... Astros Don't
A couple of very contrasting baseball games played Wednesday night in Omaha and Houston respectively. At the College World Series a lot of offense, some sloppy play, but a new champion was ultimately recognized.
In Houston not much offense in a much closer game unfortuately between two teams that have no chance of being champions.
So, hats off to the LSU Tigers for winning the school's sixth College World Series title and first under Paul Mainieri. His team and program was re-built after falling to the depths of the SEC as recently as a couple of seasons back. At the point the school that had produced five CWS champs under Skip Bertman couldn't even make the SEC post season tourney field.
Mainieri took over and the result is that in 2009 the Tigers are kings of the college baseball world once again.
Now, I know what I am about to write next will cause some disagreement, but the Texas Longhorns who finished second at the CWS may have been one of the great over achievers in college baseball this season. How can I say that when they went into the NCAA tournament as the #1 overall seed and made it all the way to the final game?
I say it because the Longhorns knew how to win without perhaps one of the less talented teams among those Texas has had in the national picture. Perhaps lack of talent is the wrong phrase. Perhaps I should say lack of production...at least offensively.
Texas is a very young team, though, and while equalling this season's overall record may be difficult in 2010 having a better team may not be. The Horns were loaded with under-classmen who played key roles in 2009--particularly on the NCAA best pitching staff. That is why only two Longhorns were selected in the recent MLB free agent draft. It wasn't due to lack of prospects. It was due to those prospects not being eligible yet.
Workman, Keyes, Jungman, Loy, Row, Ruffin, Rupp and Green were all either freshmen or sophomores and not draftable. They were also the heart of why the Longhorns had such a good season. In the post season some of the vets like Preston Clark and Russell Moldenhauer finally came alive to help get the Longhorns to the final series.
LSU had the best team so congratulations have to go to the Tigers. And Tiger fans? There may be none more passionate. One of our FS-Houston producers told me he had been in New Orleans earlier in the week and Tiger fans had taken over that city. The same happened in Omaha, too.
ASTROS LOSE ANOTHER CLOSE ONE
Meanwhile here in Houston the Astros found a way to lose another one run game to the Kansas City Royals. This time lack of hitting was again a factor, but a key error by Lance Berkman--who rarely makes them-- opened the door in the 9th inning for the Royals to tie the game at 2-2 and ultimately win 4-3 in eleven.
Roy Oswalt and Luke Hochevar were taking turns hanging zeroes on the scoreboard till the Royals cashed in first. Hochevar didn't even allow a baserunner through the first four innings. In the 5th Carlos Lee blooped a single to left and thought he was fast and tried to make it a double. He isn't and he didn't.
In the next inning, however, the Astros pinch hit corps finally came through big. Darin Erstad hitting for Oswalt with the Astros trailing 1-0 and a runner on smashed a ball down the right field line into the upper deck. His pinch hit homer gave the Astros a 2-1 lead which they took to the 9th.
Then the strange things started to happen. After Berkman's error with one out and Jose Valverde on the mound a fly ball was hit to left field...right in the area of the cutout where the Crawford boxes angle back toward the visiting bullpen. It would have been a routine fly ball anywhere else, but not in the adventureland that can be Minute Maid Park. Jason Michaels reached up and caught the ball, but not before it had grazed the side wall meaning it was still in play.
The third base umpire did not see it however, and guessed it had been caught. so he raised his right arm in the "out" position. The Astros relayed the ball back to the infield to complete what they thought was a double play since the runner on first had raced all the way to third.
It did not happen. After an umpire's conference the "grazed ball" was called. Runners now on first and third with one out. The Royals got that run home to tie... then they added a lead run on a solo homer by Brayan Pena off Tim Byrdak to take the lead to the bottom of the tenth. That was when another pinch hitter came thru. Matt Kata singled home Pudge Rodriguez and the game went to the 11th 3-3 . The Royals got a homer by Olivo off Jeff Fulchino to take a 4-3 lead. That was how it ended as the Astros were retired in order in the bottom of the frame. The Royals clinch the series which winds up Thur at 1:05 (12:30 Astros Live pregame on FS Houston)
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
The Astro pitching--minus the solo homers given up late by Tim Byrdak and Jeff Fulchino-- was good. The Astro offense was missing again, an altogether too frequent problem at Minute Maid Park this year. But the pinch hitters were effective. In fact Erstad and Kata in those roles drove in all three Astro runs. No further games behind in the standings for the Astros since the Cardinals lost, too. Still, getting to that .500 mark for the season is another game back.
And one final thought. The Astros hitting woes at home should not be a major surprise according to Lance Berkman. As he said after the game, "This place is not a hitter's park. Sure, there can be an occasional cheap home run, but those are rare. The middle of the diamond is so large and the way the outfielders pinch together on defense cuts down the gaps. They also can play shallow which takes away the bloops."
Statistics prove that out. Anytime you hear or read some out of town pundit calling Minute Maid Park a hitter's park you are listening to an un-informed "expert." For home runs the yard has played right down the middle for several years. The memories of 2000 continue to last in the minds of many. But this isn't 2000 anymore.
In Houston not much offense in a much closer game unfortuately between two teams that have no chance of being champions.
So, hats off to the LSU Tigers for winning the school's sixth College World Series title and first under Paul Mainieri. His team and program was re-built after falling to the depths of the SEC as recently as a couple of seasons back. At the point the school that had produced five CWS champs under Skip Bertman couldn't even make the SEC post season tourney field.
Mainieri took over and the result is that in 2009 the Tigers are kings of the college baseball world once again.
Now, I know what I am about to write next will cause some disagreement, but the Texas Longhorns who finished second at the CWS may have been one of the great over achievers in college baseball this season. How can I say that when they went into the NCAA tournament as the #1 overall seed and made it all the way to the final game?
I say it because the Longhorns knew how to win without perhaps one of the less talented teams among those Texas has had in the national picture. Perhaps lack of talent is the wrong phrase. Perhaps I should say lack of production...at least offensively.
Texas is a very young team, though, and while equalling this season's overall record may be difficult in 2010 having a better team may not be. The Horns were loaded with under-classmen who played key roles in 2009--particularly on the NCAA best pitching staff. That is why only two Longhorns were selected in the recent MLB free agent draft. It wasn't due to lack of prospects. It was due to those prospects not being eligible yet.
Workman, Keyes, Jungman, Loy, Row, Ruffin, Rupp and Green were all either freshmen or sophomores and not draftable. They were also the heart of why the Longhorns had such a good season. In the post season some of the vets like Preston Clark and Russell Moldenhauer finally came alive to help get the Longhorns to the final series.
LSU had the best team so congratulations have to go to the Tigers. And Tiger fans? There may be none more passionate. One of our FS-Houston producers told me he had been in New Orleans earlier in the week and Tiger fans had taken over that city. The same happened in Omaha, too.
ASTROS LOSE ANOTHER CLOSE ONE
Meanwhile here in Houston the Astros found a way to lose another one run game to the Kansas City Royals. This time lack of hitting was again a factor, but a key error by Lance Berkman--who rarely makes them-- opened the door in the 9th inning for the Royals to tie the game at 2-2 and ultimately win 4-3 in eleven.
Roy Oswalt and Luke Hochevar were taking turns hanging zeroes on the scoreboard till the Royals cashed in first. Hochevar didn't even allow a baserunner through the first four innings. In the 5th Carlos Lee blooped a single to left and thought he was fast and tried to make it a double. He isn't and he didn't.
In the next inning, however, the Astros pinch hit corps finally came through big. Darin Erstad hitting for Oswalt with the Astros trailing 1-0 and a runner on smashed a ball down the right field line into the upper deck. His pinch hit homer gave the Astros a 2-1 lead which they took to the 9th.
Then the strange things started to happen. After Berkman's error with one out and Jose Valverde on the mound a fly ball was hit to left field...right in the area of the cutout where the Crawford boxes angle back toward the visiting bullpen. It would have been a routine fly ball anywhere else, but not in the adventureland that can be Minute Maid Park. Jason Michaels reached up and caught the ball, but not before it had grazed the side wall meaning it was still in play.
The third base umpire did not see it however, and guessed it had been caught. so he raised his right arm in the "out" position. The Astros relayed the ball back to the infield to complete what they thought was a double play since the runner on first had raced all the way to third.
It did not happen. After an umpire's conference the "grazed ball" was called. Runners now on first and third with one out. The Royals got that run home to tie... then they added a lead run on a solo homer by Brayan Pena off Tim Byrdak to take the lead to the bottom of the tenth. That was when another pinch hitter came thru. Matt Kata singled home Pudge Rodriguez and the game went to the 11th 3-3 . The Royals got a homer by Olivo off Jeff Fulchino to take a 4-3 lead. That was how it ended as the Astros were retired in order in the bottom of the frame. The Royals clinch the series which winds up Thur at 1:05 (12:30 Astros Live pregame on FS Houston)
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
The Astro pitching--minus the solo homers given up late by Tim Byrdak and Jeff Fulchino-- was good. The Astro offense was missing again, an altogether too frequent problem at Minute Maid Park this year. But the pinch hitters were effective. In fact Erstad and Kata in those roles drove in all three Astro runs. No further games behind in the standings for the Astros since the Cardinals lost, too. Still, getting to that .500 mark for the season is another game back.
And one final thought. The Astros hitting woes at home should not be a major surprise according to Lance Berkman. As he said after the game, "This place is not a hitter's park. Sure, there can be an occasional cheap home run, but those are rare. The middle of the diamond is so large and the way the outfielders pinch together on defense cuts down the gaps. They also can play shallow which takes away the bloops."
Statistics prove that out. Anytime you hear or read some out of town pundit calling Minute Maid Park a hitter's park you are listening to an un-informed "expert." For home runs the yard has played right down the middle for several years. The memories of 2000 continue to last in the minds of many. But this isn't 2000 anymore.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Zach Greinke is the Real Thing...darn!
No question why Zach Greinke has been the talk of Major League Baseball this season. He is a real good pitcher and he showed it against the Astros on Tuesday. The 6'2 righthander was touched for a few hits...including three in a row in the first inning for a run, but nothing more than a single and hardly anything after that first inning.
Greinke has a fast ball that can reach 96, but which more often than not is in the 92-93 range. He has a good slider and an off speed curve that even Roy Oswalt would love to have..and Roy usually has a pretty good one.
It was too bad Russ Ortiz had to hang that one slider that Billy Butler might have hit all the way to Conroe had the roof been open. As it was he banged it off the back glass wall above the train tracks. It hit the glass at 408 feet. Had the roof been open it would have easily been the longest ball hit at MMP this season.
Even so, that gave the Royals only a 2-1 lead with a lot of game to play. But the Astros could mount no threats. In a couple of instances they handicapped themselves by either hitting into doubleplays or failing to get bunts down...or bunting and giving up an out. Against pitchers as good as Greinke it is always problematical whether outs should be given up to move up runners since getting ANY hits is tough enough and giving up outs makes it tougher.
In the 9th inning when a bunt might have been well advised after the Astros got the first two runners on base in a one run game, they did not. Cecil Cooper elected to see if one of the next three hitters could get a base hit that would have been good enough to get the runner from second base home. They could not. Pudge Rodriguez struck out. Kazuo Matsui struck out. And pinch hitter Jason Michaels hit a weak grounder back to relief pitcher Joakim Soria who easily made the play and got his 8th save to protect Grienke's ninth win.
The loss could have been expected. The Astros have been very weak the day after an off day. They kept that mark intact. Roy Oswalt goes on Wednesday against another young gun, Luke Hochevar. It will probably take as good a game as Ortiz gave the Astros on Tuesday for the Astros to have a chance to win the second game and even the series.
LONGHORNS VS LSU
In the College World Series it has gotten down to winner takes all on Wednesday in Omaha. The Texas Longhorns evened the best of three at one game each after a 5-1 win on Tuesday in which the Longhorn pitching showed its full effect. Even though LSU won the opener the depth of the Longhorn staff may prove to be the difference on Wednesday as college baseball's winningest coach ever-- Augie Garrido-- tries to tie Cliff Gustafson with his third U-T College World Series title and the sixth of his career. While the Longhorn pitching staff has been the story this season it has been an amazing season for a team with only two players drafted in the recent free agent draft and a team berift of multiple top major league prospects. The Longhorns have been the epitomy of what a team must be. They set a school record for sacrifice bunts. They have the best team earned run average ever. Until the College World Series the long ball had not been a major part of their offense. But they may just wind up champions of College Baseball.
ROCKETS TO GET A PICK?
Apparently the Houston Rockets are trying to figure out a way to get a pick in the upcoming NBA draft. So far, no go and the Rockets are on the outside looking in with no picks in either of the rounds. What do they need to acquire? A servicable big man who can be a defensive and rebounding presence, possibly a point guard, but only a real solid one. They can win with what they now have after another year of experience. They could also stand to get a more all around offensive small forward. They won't get everything. And in the draft they may not get anything and won't for sure if they can't make a deal to get a pick.
Greinke has a fast ball that can reach 96, but which more often than not is in the 92-93 range. He has a good slider and an off speed curve that even Roy Oswalt would love to have..and Roy usually has a pretty good one.
It was too bad Russ Ortiz had to hang that one slider that Billy Butler might have hit all the way to Conroe had the roof been open. As it was he banged it off the back glass wall above the train tracks. It hit the glass at 408 feet. Had the roof been open it would have easily been the longest ball hit at MMP this season.
Even so, that gave the Royals only a 2-1 lead with a lot of game to play. But the Astros could mount no threats. In a couple of instances they handicapped themselves by either hitting into doubleplays or failing to get bunts down...or bunting and giving up an out. Against pitchers as good as Greinke it is always problematical whether outs should be given up to move up runners since getting ANY hits is tough enough and giving up outs makes it tougher.
In the 9th inning when a bunt might have been well advised after the Astros got the first two runners on base in a one run game, they did not. Cecil Cooper elected to see if one of the next three hitters could get a base hit that would have been good enough to get the runner from second base home. They could not. Pudge Rodriguez struck out. Kazuo Matsui struck out. And pinch hitter Jason Michaels hit a weak grounder back to relief pitcher Joakim Soria who easily made the play and got his 8th save to protect Grienke's ninth win.
The loss could have been expected. The Astros have been very weak the day after an off day. They kept that mark intact. Roy Oswalt goes on Wednesday against another young gun, Luke Hochevar. It will probably take as good a game as Ortiz gave the Astros on Tuesday for the Astros to have a chance to win the second game and even the series.
LONGHORNS VS LSU
In the College World Series it has gotten down to winner takes all on Wednesday in Omaha. The Texas Longhorns evened the best of three at one game each after a 5-1 win on Tuesday in which the Longhorn pitching showed its full effect. Even though LSU won the opener the depth of the Longhorn staff may prove to be the difference on Wednesday as college baseball's winningest coach ever-- Augie Garrido-- tries to tie Cliff Gustafson with his third U-T College World Series title and the sixth of his career. While the Longhorn pitching staff has been the story this season it has been an amazing season for a team with only two players drafted in the recent free agent draft and a team berift of multiple top major league prospects. The Longhorns have been the epitomy of what a team must be. They set a school record for sacrifice bunts. They have the best team earned run average ever. Until the College World Series the long ball had not been a major part of their offense. But they may just wind up champions of College Baseball.
ROCKETS TO GET A PICK?
Apparently the Houston Rockets are trying to figure out a way to get a pick in the upcoming NBA draft. So far, no go and the Rockets are on the outside looking in with no picks in either of the rounds. What do they need to acquire? A servicable big man who can be a defensive and rebounding presence, possibly a point guard, but only a real solid one. They can win with what they now have after another year of experience. They could also stand to get a more all around offensive small forward. They won't get everything. And in the draft they may not get anything and won't for sure if they can't make a deal to get a pick.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Texas-LSU CWS Final is Worth Following!
The LSU Tigers have won the opener in the College World Series Final. But you surely already knew that. The game on Monday night was a sparkler...the best in college baseball. And there might be two more of the same. For Texas to win there HAS to be two more. And with the depth of the Longhorn pitching staff don't be so sure this thing is over just because the Tigers won the opener.
That's a great advantage, for sure. It DID take extra innings and the Longhorn pitching staff is deeper. Of course, the Horns could not hold a lead in the ninth that allowed the Tigers to hang in and finally win. While the Longhorns have a deep staff the game one edge went to the LSU closer who kept the door shut late.
Actually Texas didn't mount much offense. The did fill the outfield seats with solo home runs, but didn't mount any offensive threatening innings. That is not unusual. The homers were. Texas was not one of the nation's top offensive teams during the season. Their team batting average into the game Monday was only .289 and the season homer count was 39 prior to the CWS. BUT the team earned run average still into the Monday night game was an amazing 2.88. It took a hit vs LSU. The final series is strange in that it has the #1 seed in the tournament and the #1 team in the college baseball writers poll. And that was not the same team. Texas headed into play as #1 seed and LSU was only the #3 seed, but the #1 ranked team in the nation.
Both selections seem to be right on the money. Two great programs...two great teams... Game two on Tuesday should be another doozy.
ASTROS BACK HOME
While the college game is notable the Astros will return home to Minute Maid Park on Tuesday (FS Houston 6:30 with Astros Live Pregame). Off a 5-4 road trip marred only by the two straight loses at Texas, the club continues its slow but steady climb in the NL Central. No longer in last place the Astros are still within range of the top and can actually see .500 at 32-35.
Jose Valverde is back so the end of the bullpen is strong with Chris Sampson doing at least as well as Doug Brocail ever could have and LaTroy Hawkins and Valverde ready to close things out. Russ Ortiz who has been doing a solid job since put back in the rotation gets the start on Tuesday. Its still interleague with Kansas City here. Zack Greinke and his 1.96 ERA gets the opening nod for the Royals.
DAY OFF IN KEMAH
Actually had one of those rare full days off at home on Monday after returning from Minneapolis Sunday night. So my wife and I drove to Kemah to eat. Afterward we decided to give the high speed boat ride a try. We were not really dressed for it. They are not kidding when they say you will get wet. But with the temperature in the mid 90s it was refreshing. I DO recommend anyone who has not tried the Beast to get on board. It may be a bit pricey but it was a good ride. And, of course, on a Monday afternoon, there was no line or wait. Make sure its a hot day though because you will get wet...thoroughly!
After Kemah we headed down toward Galveston. We had not gone down since before Ike. The first thing noticeable was how many trees have apparently died (salt water?). There is very little green visible. Most of the devastation has been cleared away and a lot of rebuilding is evident. But there seem to be a lot more empty spaces than we ever remembered. Let us just hope the area doesn't have to deal with any more direct hits ever, but at least for many many years.
ODD 'N ENDS
For those of you have asked, yes, the plan is for Houston Sportsbeat to return in a few weeks. It will be based in the Houston Center Studio but will also get out and about some with a new format when it returns. It has been on summer hiatus for re-tooling and the production staff along with the executive and sales arms of FS Houston have been planning. Your's truly as the primary host has been offering mostly long distance input while traveling with the Astros, but I am looking forward to some of the new ideas that have been put forth. We expect to still have most if not all of the revolving panelists from the past plus add more sport specific guests for special shows.
About the time we re-join the FS Houston schedule the football talk for both college and the pros will join the Astros in the 2nd half of the season. And we won't forget the Dynamo which is having another superb season.
That's a great advantage, for sure. It DID take extra innings and the Longhorn pitching staff is deeper. Of course, the Horns could not hold a lead in the ninth that allowed the Tigers to hang in and finally win. While the Longhorns have a deep staff the game one edge went to the LSU closer who kept the door shut late.
Actually Texas didn't mount much offense. The did fill the outfield seats with solo home runs, but didn't mount any offensive threatening innings. That is not unusual. The homers were. Texas was not one of the nation's top offensive teams during the season. Their team batting average into the game Monday was only .289 and the season homer count was 39 prior to the CWS. BUT the team earned run average still into the Monday night game was an amazing 2.88. It took a hit vs LSU. The final series is strange in that it has the #1 seed in the tournament and the #1 team in the college baseball writers poll. And that was not the same team. Texas headed into play as #1 seed and LSU was only the #3 seed, but the #1 ranked team in the nation.
Both selections seem to be right on the money. Two great programs...two great teams... Game two on Tuesday should be another doozy.
ASTROS BACK HOME
While the college game is notable the Astros will return home to Minute Maid Park on Tuesday (FS Houston 6:30 with Astros Live Pregame). Off a 5-4 road trip marred only by the two straight loses at Texas, the club continues its slow but steady climb in the NL Central. No longer in last place the Astros are still within range of the top and can actually see .500 at 32-35.
Jose Valverde is back so the end of the bullpen is strong with Chris Sampson doing at least as well as Doug Brocail ever could have and LaTroy Hawkins and Valverde ready to close things out. Russ Ortiz who has been doing a solid job since put back in the rotation gets the start on Tuesday. Its still interleague with Kansas City here. Zack Greinke and his 1.96 ERA gets the opening nod for the Royals.
DAY OFF IN KEMAH
Actually had one of those rare full days off at home on Monday after returning from Minneapolis Sunday night. So my wife and I drove to Kemah to eat. Afterward we decided to give the high speed boat ride a try. We were not really dressed for it. They are not kidding when they say you will get wet. But with the temperature in the mid 90s it was refreshing. I DO recommend anyone who has not tried the Beast to get on board. It may be a bit pricey but it was a good ride. And, of course, on a Monday afternoon, there was no line or wait. Make sure its a hot day though because you will get wet...thoroughly!
After Kemah we headed down toward Galveston. We had not gone down since before Ike. The first thing noticeable was how many trees have apparently died (salt water?). There is very little green visible. Most of the devastation has been cleared away and a lot of rebuilding is evident. But there seem to be a lot more empty spaces than we ever remembered. Let us just hope the area doesn't have to deal with any more direct hits ever, but at least for many many years.
ODD 'N ENDS
For those of you have asked, yes, the plan is for Houston Sportsbeat to return in a few weeks. It will be based in the Houston Center Studio but will also get out and about some with a new format when it returns. It has been on summer hiatus for re-tooling and the production staff along with the executive and sales arms of FS Houston have been planning. Your's truly as the primary host has been offering mostly long distance input while traveling with the Astros, but I am looking forward to some of the new ideas that have been put forth. We expect to still have most if not all of the revolving panelists from the past plus add more sport specific guests for special shows.
About the time we re-join the FS Houston schedule the football talk for both college and the pros will join the Astros in the 2nd half of the season. And we won't forget the Dynamo which is having another superb season.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Good Trip...Now Home
Can you write column while sitting in cramped seat on a bus waiting to go to the airport in Minneapolis? We will find out because that's where I am right now.
The Astros won two of three from the Twins thank to a few timely hits, but mainly thanks to solid pitching. Funny how that usually is at the center of successful games. Wandy Rodriguez was as good as he has been all year...surrendering only two hits in seven innings. And the only mistake or poor pitch he made was one of them.. a solo homer by Mike Cuddyer that was the only Twin run.
The Astros thus finish the strange and long road trip at 5-4... still in the pennant chase in the hardly powerhouse NL Central while still three games under .500
Say what you want about the makeup of the Astros... age... leadership the fact is they are not a dead meat team at all. And now after a good home stand before this trip it is back home to meet the last two AL teams on the card...Kansas City and Detroit. The Royals, unfornately for the Astros,but good for overall baseball fans, will open the series on Tuesday with their top two young pitchers. The Astros open with one of their oldest ones-- Russ Ortiz. But Russ has been pretty good of late. So,who knows?
Possibly due to the length of the flights and the mix of series in Phoenix, Arlington and Minneapolis this has seeme like a much longer trip that nine games. But thanks to the overall outcome it has been a good one.
ODDS 'N ENDS... Have walked by the new Twins stadium, Target Field, and it looks like it will be a beauty next year. While all he ads around town are counting the games till outdoor baseball returns no one seems to be thinking what that actually will mean with outdoor baseball here in April and May. As an interleague foe the Astros will never have to worry about that. They may not even be back in the Twin Cities till the new park is seven or eight years old. Last time the Astros were here was in 2001.
The Astros won two of three from the Twins thank to a few timely hits, but mainly thanks to solid pitching. Funny how that usually is at the center of successful games. Wandy Rodriguez was as good as he has been all year...surrendering only two hits in seven innings. And the only mistake or poor pitch he made was one of them.. a solo homer by Mike Cuddyer that was the only Twin run.
The Astros thus finish the strange and long road trip at 5-4... still in the pennant chase in the hardly powerhouse NL Central while still three games under .500
Say what you want about the makeup of the Astros... age... leadership the fact is they are not a dead meat team at all. And now after a good home stand before this trip it is back home to meet the last two AL teams on the card...Kansas City and Detroit. The Royals, unfornately for the Astros,but good for overall baseball fans, will open the series on Tuesday with their top two young pitchers. The Astros open with one of their oldest ones-- Russ Ortiz. But Russ has been pretty good of late. So,who knows?
Possibly due to the length of the flights and the mix of series in Phoenix, Arlington and Minneapolis this has seeme like a much longer trip that nine games. But thanks to the overall outcome it has been a good one.
ODDS 'N ENDS... Have walked by the new Twins stadium, Target Field, and it looks like it will be a beauty next year. While all he ads around town are counting the games till outdoor baseball returns no one seems to be thinking what that actually will mean with outdoor baseball here in April and May. As an interleague foe the Astros will never have to worry about that. They may not even be back in the Twin Cities till the new park is seven or eight years old. Last time the Astros were here was in 2001.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A VERY Strange Road Trip
The Astros will finally wind up their road trip Sunday afternoon. With a victory they would not only win the series with the Twins, but also have a winning record (5-4) on the trip.
It just doesn't seem it could turn out that way. In fact, it almost seems like a 3-6 or 2-7 for some reason. Of course we KNOW why it seems that way. That darn series in Arlington with the Rangers. Losing those first two games gave the Rangers a 5-0 season lead. There was concern that with the little used and ineffective Brandon Backe pitching the next day the Rangers would likely sweep the series and the Astros might start a free fall.
As history records Brandon did OK under his circumstances. He surrendered two solo homers and sloppy defense helped a third run to score in his four innings. But that would be all the Rangers would get. The Astros didn't come around till late with a solo run in the fifth, two in the sixth and finally took the lead in the 8th on a Pence solo homer and an rbi triple by Michael Bourn.
Off to Minnesota and a Twin win in game one. Soft and bloop hits really did in Roy Oswalt and the final ignomy came when two runs scored on a liner to left that Jason Michaels lost in the lights.
Oh boy, maybe a salvaged game in Texas, but now what was going to go on in Minneapolis?
Perhaps we found out Saturday night. Again the Astros fell behind early on solo homers by Harris, Young and Mauer. But once the Twins went to the bullpen, here came the Astros. Pudge Rodriguez who had driven in the Astros' first run in the fifth, brought home the second in the 7th and it was 3-2. Jason Michaels pinch hitting for Darin Erstad doubled home Pudge and the game was tied. Not for long was it tied. Michael Bourn creamed a pitch into the folded up football seats in right field. His two run homer gave the Astros a 5-3 lead. In the 8th Lance Berkman who had seen his batting average drop under .240 waloped his 14th homer to up the lead to 6-3.
That last run was needed after LaTroy Hawkins, returning to the city where he began his major league career, was touched for a two run homer by Jason Kubel. The Twins could get no more. Jose Valverde finished up for his 4th save. The Astros evened the series and road trip and now stood at 31-35 overall.
Manager Cecil Cooper was ejected in the 5th after what Pudge Rodriguez thought was a third strike foul tip that he caught was not ruled as such by homeplate umpire Jerry Layne. The TV replay MAY have supported Pudge, but it was a very close call. The visiting clubhouse doesn't have a manager's office as all other parks do...so Coop was stuck in the coaches locker room for half the game.
Special note has to go to Matt Kata for his glovework at second base. He ranged far left and right to snare several potential base hits. At the plate he was 0-4,but his value was evident and so noted by starting pitcher Brian Moehler.
This was a nice win. No, it doesn't turn the Astros into a potential contender. It is not hard to backslide in this game. But it was a nice win. Now, if they can figure out how to wrap up the trip behind Wandy Rodriguez on Sunday...and Wandy finds a way to regain that early season magic on the mound at least it would keep the steady but very slow progress the Astros have been showing for the last several weeks.
Hopefully it will be a very happy Father's Day for all playing for and rooting for the Astros.
It just doesn't seem it could turn out that way. In fact, it almost seems like a 3-6 or 2-7 for some reason. Of course we KNOW why it seems that way. That darn series in Arlington with the Rangers. Losing those first two games gave the Rangers a 5-0 season lead. There was concern that with the little used and ineffective Brandon Backe pitching the next day the Rangers would likely sweep the series and the Astros might start a free fall.
As history records Brandon did OK under his circumstances. He surrendered two solo homers and sloppy defense helped a third run to score in his four innings. But that would be all the Rangers would get. The Astros didn't come around till late with a solo run in the fifth, two in the sixth and finally took the lead in the 8th on a Pence solo homer and an rbi triple by Michael Bourn.
Off to Minnesota and a Twin win in game one. Soft and bloop hits really did in Roy Oswalt and the final ignomy came when two runs scored on a liner to left that Jason Michaels lost in the lights.
Oh boy, maybe a salvaged game in Texas, but now what was going to go on in Minneapolis?
Perhaps we found out Saturday night. Again the Astros fell behind early on solo homers by Harris, Young and Mauer. But once the Twins went to the bullpen, here came the Astros. Pudge Rodriguez who had driven in the Astros' first run in the fifth, brought home the second in the 7th and it was 3-2. Jason Michaels pinch hitting for Darin Erstad doubled home Pudge and the game was tied. Not for long was it tied. Michael Bourn creamed a pitch into the folded up football seats in right field. His two run homer gave the Astros a 5-3 lead. In the 8th Lance Berkman who had seen his batting average drop under .240 waloped his 14th homer to up the lead to 6-3.
That last run was needed after LaTroy Hawkins, returning to the city where he began his major league career, was touched for a two run homer by Jason Kubel. The Twins could get no more. Jose Valverde finished up for his 4th save. The Astros evened the series and road trip and now stood at 31-35 overall.
Manager Cecil Cooper was ejected in the 5th after what Pudge Rodriguez thought was a third strike foul tip that he caught was not ruled as such by homeplate umpire Jerry Layne. The TV replay MAY have supported Pudge, but it was a very close call. The visiting clubhouse doesn't have a manager's office as all other parks do...so Coop was stuck in the coaches locker room for half the game.
Special note has to go to Matt Kata for his glovework at second base. He ranged far left and right to snare several potential base hits. At the plate he was 0-4,but his value was evident and so noted by starting pitcher Brian Moehler.
This was a nice win. No, it doesn't turn the Astros into a potential contender. It is not hard to backslide in this game. But it was a nice win. Now, if they can figure out how to wrap up the trip behind Wandy Rodriguez on Sunday...and Wandy finds a way to regain that early season magic on the mound at least it would keep the steady but very slow progress the Astros have been showing for the last several weeks.
Hopefully it will be a very happy Father's Day for all playing for and rooting for the Astros.
Friday, June 19, 2009
And Now for Something Completly Different
In this session I will step away from the Astros since going over Friday's loss to the Twins will bring up many of the same problems that have been evident in most losses. Instead as the photos above will show we look at the past present and future of sports in Minneapolis.
The aged indoor athletic facility now being used as a parking garage is where the Lakers were born. That is the amory that in the early days of the NBA was home to George Mikan and the Minneapolis Lakers, the first super team in pro basketball. At least the building still stands, but its glorious sports history which included the Lakers, hockey, Verne Gagne and pro wrestling is all in the past. Hopefully, the Astrodome won't have the same fate.
On to the Metrodome. While baseball is counting down the days left for indoor baseball the place once known as the homerdome has been very friendly to the Twins. Over the years they have had a tremendous home field advantage. Some of that was shown in the Friday win over the Astros.
The Metrodome will remain the home of the NFL Vikings, but the football team would like new digs, too. It may be many years before they can get them so making the dome a one sport facility with the best sightlines and permanent seating in the football configuration will have to do.
Meanwhile, the new home for the Twins is taking place across downtown behind the Target Center. Its Target Field. It will not have a dome or retractable roof. It will be pure outside baseball like the Twins played for years out at old Metropolitan Stadium. I can't show a current photo of that. The Mall of America took over that plot of land years ago.
Now spring in Minnesota can be like winter in many parts of the country. But the fans in Minnesota are of very hardy stock. They can sit outside in April and May all layered up to watch baseball. The players may have it tougher and hopefully the field will have heating elements buried in the turf to melt snow and help keep the grass green. Summer which starts late will be great. For instance had this series with the Astros been outside it would have been absolutely perfect.
Those are the photos included in this missive. Tomorow we can again either praise or condemn the Astros. I think we all needed a break.
It's Three A. M. In Minneapolis
The Astros and party have arrived at the hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Some, including yours truly are waiting for the bags to be delivered before hitting the sack. But after a win as the Astros pulled off in Arlington to salvage a game in the three game series the general mood is much better than 24 hours earlier.
Manager Cecil Cooper was so uptight about things on Wednesday that he failed to congratulate Pudge Rodriguez for his impressive feat of becoming baseball's most durable catcher. He called a team meeting before the game to apologize to Pudge and the rest of the team for perhaps being too consumed in the game results. That was a closed meeting, but MLB.com's Brian McTaggert found a player willing to let him in on what the meeting was about. Brian posted it on his mlb.com blog. Alyson Footer made a recommendation on her Twitter page for people to read it. I read it and did the same on our Twitter page.
The power of Twitter and blogs? Well, the first thing Cecil Cooper said when the media came into his office after the game was directed at Brian. He told him that next time ask Coop directly about the meeting and he would tell him. He also confirmed that what Brian had written was correct. Now, it was nice of Coop to say that Brian should ask him directly. But it really doesn't work that way. The reason they close the clubhouse and make everyone except players and coaches leave the room is the meeting is private. Coop wouldn't really likely tell what went on. That would be as big or bigger a violation of "the code" as when a player leaks something.
And, by the way, this leaking of information from "closed meetings" has been going on since sports were invented. The only reason a manager or coach or player for that matter should be upset is if the information is incorrect and casts an erroneous bad light. This did not.
So what about the power of blogs and Twitter? Coop knew about Brian's story apparently befor the game was over or very soon after. I didnt' even know until midway through the game.
George W. Bush visited the Astros clubhouse before the game too. It was closed to all but team personnel but Alyson Footer who is now club personnel shot some photos which can be seen on her blog and Facebook page. GWB wanted to congratulate Pudge who broke into the majors under the Bush regime with the Rangers in 1991.
Nolan Ryan caught the attention of Alyson and yours truly in the lunch room before the game. He had been holding court at a nearby table with several Ranger officials. Alyson and I took seats at a table about 15 feet away. When Nolan was about to leave he proclaimed, "Well, I've got to leave and talk with the most important person in the Astro organization." We noticed Nolan was looking in our direction with a grin on his face. So I asked, "And who might that be?" He was ready because I had fallen into his trap. "Why Dennis Liborio of course." Dennis is the veteran equipment manager for the Astros. After the game we told Dennis what Nolan had said. Dennis said that when Nolan came in he said he only had a minute or two...but stayed and chatted with Dennis for at least 30 minutes.
As for the game... it again showed why baseball is a great and unpredictable game. With seldom used and mostly ineffective Brandon Backe on the mound to start the Astros gave up only three runs and took a 5-3 win. Hunter Pence who had fanned with the bases loaded for the fifth time in an 0-6 record hitting with the bases loaded, made up for it with a solo homer than gave the Astros a 4-3 lead. An RBI triple by Michael Bourn brought in an insurance run.... and the duo of LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde closed out the win for reliever Alberto Arias. Special mention has to go to Wesley Wright who was streteched out to 2.2 hitless relief innings.
Now its the Twins... but first I think I should got to bed.
Manager Cecil Cooper was so uptight about things on Wednesday that he failed to congratulate Pudge Rodriguez for his impressive feat of becoming baseball's most durable catcher. He called a team meeting before the game to apologize to Pudge and the rest of the team for perhaps being too consumed in the game results. That was a closed meeting, but MLB.com's Brian McTaggert found a player willing to let him in on what the meeting was about. Brian posted it on his mlb.com blog. Alyson Footer made a recommendation on her Twitter page for people to read it. I read it and did the same on our Twitter page.
The power of Twitter and blogs? Well, the first thing Cecil Cooper said when the media came into his office after the game was directed at Brian. He told him that next time ask Coop directly about the meeting and he would tell him. He also confirmed that what Brian had written was correct. Now, it was nice of Coop to say that Brian should ask him directly. But it really doesn't work that way. The reason they close the clubhouse and make everyone except players and coaches leave the room is the meeting is private. Coop wouldn't really likely tell what went on. That would be as big or bigger a violation of "the code" as when a player leaks something.
And, by the way, this leaking of information from "closed meetings" has been going on since sports were invented. The only reason a manager or coach or player for that matter should be upset is if the information is incorrect and casts an erroneous bad light. This did not.
So what about the power of blogs and Twitter? Coop knew about Brian's story apparently befor the game was over or very soon after. I didnt' even know until midway through the game.
George W. Bush visited the Astros clubhouse before the game too. It was closed to all but team personnel but Alyson Footer who is now club personnel shot some photos which can be seen on her blog and Facebook page. GWB wanted to congratulate Pudge who broke into the majors under the Bush regime with the Rangers in 1991.
Nolan Ryan caught the attention of Alyson and yours truly in the lunch room before the game. He had been holding court at a nearby table with several Ranger officials. Alyson and I took seats at a table about 15 feet away. When Nolan was about to leave he proclaimed, "Well, I've got to leave and talk with the most important person in the Astro organization." We noticed Nolan was looking in our direction with a grin on his face. So I asked, "And who might that be?" He was ready because I had fallen into his trap. "Why Dennis Liborio of course." Dennis is the veteran equipment manager for the Astros. After the game we told Dennis what Nolan had said. Dennis said that when Nolan came in he said he only had a minute or two...but stayed and chatted with Dennis for at least 30 minutes.
As for the game... it again showed why baseball is a great and unpredictable game. With seldom used and mostly ineffective Brandon Backe on the mound to start the Astros gave up only three runs and took a 5-3 win. Hunter Pence who had fanned with the bases loaded for the fifth time in an 0-6 record hitting with the bases loaded, made up for it with a solo homer than gave the Astros a 4-3 lead. An RBI triple by Michael Bourn brought in an insurance run.... and the duo of LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde closed out the win for reliever Alberto Arias. Special mention has to go to Wesley Wright who was streteched out to 2.2 hitless relief innings.
Now its the Twins... but first I think I should got to bed.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Almost Too Many Things to Complain About
If you are a typical Astros fan what you have been seeing or hearing or reading about the last two nights has been almost disgusting. The club has has had-- at various times--bad pitching, bad defense, bad offense, bad baserunning, bad managing and bad luck.
Let's start with pitching. That was almost exclusively in Tuesday's loss. Wandy Rodriguez never looked like a major league pitcher in the four innings he worked. He gave up six hits, six runs, walked four and threw a whopping 103 pitches with just over half of them strikes during that outing. The Astros lost 6-1 so bad offense also was evident. The team only had five hits and if they did happen to get something going they ended it with several double plays. They had eight leadoff hitters reach base (counting the first two hitters in two different innings) and the only one to score made it because that leadoff hitter homered.
Then in game two on Wednesday the Astros played a close one. It took the Rangers 10 innings to beat them. The Astros should have been able to win in regulation play. First of all, Russ Ortiz pitched well for six innings. He was charged with three earned runs out of four scored while he was on the mound. But the earned runs should have only been two. In the first inning leftfielder Jason Michaels totally lost a fly ball hit by Ian Kinsler in the sun. It fell for a double. He stole third legitimately, but the throw to third by Pudge Rodriguez flew wildly into left field allowing Kinsler to score. Chalk that one up to bad defense, not Russ Ortiz.
Two more runs on legitimate solo homers. But the fourth run on a single, stolen base, another error and sacrifice fly. Bad defense again allowed the runner to get to scoring position.
Meanwhile the Astros were racking up 13 hits and leaving nine on base. Hunter Pence was a star. He had four hits and drove in the game tying fourth run but his teammates helped the game drift away.
In the 9th Michaels led off with a single. Michael Bourn failed to sacrifice when he couldn't push the bunt away from catcher Jarod Saltalamacchia who gunned Michaels out at second. Bourn on first --the leading base stealer in the National League-- was nailed by Saltalamacchia trying to steal. So now, no one on...and Keppinger singles up the middle. There went the the lead run.
In the bottom of the ninth with Jose Valverde called in in a non save situation the Astros kept the Rangers off the scoreboard even if Marlon Byrd led off with a double.
In the 10th the Astros Carlos Lee jaked it on a grounder to shortstop that was bobbled by Elvis Andrus, but he was able to recover to easily nail the coasting Lee. Lance Berkman dribbled one back to pitcher C.J. Wilson. Pence dropped in his second "hustle double" of the game. The stage was set for Pudge Rodriguez on the night he became the most prolific catcher in games played to be heroic. He struck out.
In the last of the 10th another Astro error opened the door. Keppinger muffed a grounder hit by Ian Kinsler to reach safely. Michael Young hit a routine ground ball into the hole between third and shortstop for a single. Now Astro reliever Jeff Fulchino was in a jam. He intentionally walked Hank Blalock to load the bases and got Nelson Cruz on a short fly ball to center field.
But he couldn't get David Murphy who singled to give the Rangers a 5-4 win. Far too many times this season the Astros have lost games due to a compilation of "little things". This was one of those games. The only question left now is: "Can the Astros even win one game from the Rangers this season? It won't be easy for many reasons. Brandon Backe drawing the start out of necessity is only one of them. Stay tuned.
Let's start with pitching. That was almost exclusively in Tuesday's loss. Wandy Rodriguez never looked like a major league pitcher in the four innings he worked. He gave up six hits, six runs, walked four and threw a whopping 103 pitches with just over half of them strikes during that outing. The Astros lost 6-1 so bad offense also was evident. The team only had five hits and if they did happen to get something going they ended it with several double plays. They had eight leadoff hitters reach base (counting the first two hitters in two different innings) and the only one to score made it because that leadoff hitter homered.
Then in game two on Wednesday the Astros played a close one. It took the Rangers 10 innings to beat them. The Astros should have been able to win in regulation play. First of all, Russ Ortiz pitched well for six innings. He was charged with three earned runs out of four scored while he was on the mound. But the earned runs should have only been two. In the first inning leftfielder Jason Michaels totally lost a fly ball hit by Ian Kinsler in the sun. It fell for a double. He stole third legitimately, but the throw to third by Pudge Rodriguez flew wildly into left field allowing Kinsler to score. Chalk that one up to bad defense, not Russ Ortiz.
Two more runs on legitimate solo homers. But the fourth run on a single, stolen base, another error and sacrifice fly. Bad defense again allowed the runner to get to scoring position.
Meanwhile the Astros were racking up 13 hits and leaving nine on base. Hunter Pence was a star. He had four hits and drove in the game tying fourth run but his teammates helped the game drift away.
In the 9th Michaels led off with a single. Michael Bourn failed to sacrifice when he couldn't push the bunt away from catcher Jarod Saltalamacchia who gunned Michaels out at second. Bourn on first --the leading base stealer in the National League-- was nailed by Saltalamacchia trying to steal. So now, no one on...and Keppinger singles up the middle. There went the the lead run.
In the bottom of the ninth with Jose Valverde called in in a non save situation the Astros kept the Rangers off the scoreboard even if Marlon Byrd led off with a double.
In the 10th the Astros Carlos Lee jaked it on a grounder to shortstop that was bobbled by Elvis Andrus, but he was able to recover to easily nail the coasting Lee. Lance Berkman dribbled one back to pitcher C.J. Wilson. Pence dropped in his second "hustle double" of the game. The stage was set for Pudge Rodriguez on the night he became the most prolific catcher in games played to be heroic. He struck out.
In the last of the 10th another Astro error opened the door. Keppinger muffed a grounder hit by Ian Kinsler to reach safely. Michael Young hit a routine ground ball into the hole between third and shortstop for a single. Now Astro reliever Jeff Fulchino was in a jam. He intentionally walked Hank Blalock to load the bases and got Nelson Cruz on a short fly ball to center field.
But he couldn't get David Murphy who singled to give the Rangers a 5-4 win. Far too many times this season the Astros have lost games due to a compilation of "little things". This was one of those games. The only question left now is: "Can the Astros even win one game from the Rangers this season? It won't be easy for many reasons. Brandon Backe drawing the start out of necessity is only one of them. Stay tuned.
Photos from Arlington
Among the photos being posted are: Junction Jack meets The Captain as the mascots of the Rangers and Astros are on the field... The "Monster" Jerry Jone's playhouse as seen from just outside the press level at The Ballpark... Press row featuring top to bottom of those visible; TR Sullivan of MLB.com (Rangers); Stephen Grande, Astros PR, Sally Gunter, Astros PR, Jay Lucas, Astros, VP Comm, Brian McTaggert, MLB.com (Astros) and Jesus Ortiz, Chronicle... plus assorted other shots. Oh yes, as for the sign directed to the umpires. What happens to them if they ignore it!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What's the Deal with Days Off?
If the Astros never had any days off they would be over .500 and maybe even leading the NL Central Division. Unfortunately, the player's union requires a day off no more than every 21 days. So, the Astros are only 1-6 when playing after a day off.
The most recent defeat on Tuesday in Arlington was typical. It was not a good game for the offense. Even though the Astros had eight lead off hitters reach base which covered six of the nine innings (in two innings the first two reached) the Astros only scored once. That came on Pudge Rodriguez' lead off homer.
The fact that Wandy Rodriguez was hardly sharp was only part of the reason for the loss. Wandy missed on some pitches...got shaved a bit by home plate umpire Jeff Nelson... and got clobbered on some others by Ian Kinsler (twice) and David Murphy. Kinsler hit a two seam fastball. That's the fast ball that is supposed to sink. It did...and it travelled 417 feet in the first. The other was a changeup that didn't go as far, but far enough to give Texas a 3-0 lead after two innings. From then on it was all downhill.
Pudge Rodriguez got the start behind the plate, a mini surprise considering manager Cecil Cooper had praised the work Humberto Quintero had done with Wandy in his last start. But Coop told one media gathering that he was starting Pudge both Tuesday and Wenesdays to "get this thing over" referring to Pudge's becoming the catcher with the most games behind the plate in baseball history. Since the mark could not be reached in Houston having Pudge do it in Arlington where he started and played the bulk of his career was a nice honor.
Not that it impressed many fans. Only 21, 676 were in attendance at the record tying game. That is a very low number for a couple of reasons. The Pudge Rodriguez quest for one, but the Rangers are a first place team in the AL West. Even without the artificial excitement of a North Texas vs Houston series for the Silver Boot, one would think a first place club might draw better.
After the game it was revealed that starting pitcher Mike Hampton is being placed on the disabled list due to a groin pull. He will be replaced in the rotation by Brandon Backe. This will be a very important start for Brandon since his relief work has hardly been impressive and his career might be hanging on by its fingernails. Wesley Wright will make a quick return from Nashville where he just joined RoundRock to take over the mythical "Golden YoYo Award" from Jeff Fulchino who HAD been the most moved around pitcher with the Astros up till now.
With the Astros things have a way of going from bad to good frequently, but the good has outweighed the bad over the last three weeks. Now, they simply have to bounce back on Wednesday. This will be the game AFTER the game following a day off. The Astros are 5-1 in those.
The most recent defeat on Tuesday in Arlington was typical. It was not a good game for the offense. Even though the Astros had eight lead off hitters reach base which covered six of the nine innings (in two innings the first two reached) the Astros only scored once. That came on Pudge Rodriguez' lead off homer.
The fact that Wandy Rodriguez was hardly sharp was only part of the reason for the loss. Wandy missed on some pitches...got shaved a bit by home plate umpire Jeff Nelson... and got clobbered on some others by Ian Kinsler (twice) and David Murphy. Kinsler hit a two seam fastball. That's the fast ball that is supposed to sink. It did...and it travelled 417 feet in the first. The other was a changeup that didn't go as far, but far enough to give Texas a 3-0 lead after two innings. From then on it was all downhill.
Pudge Rodriguez got the start behind the plate, a mini surprise considering manager Cecil Cooper had praised the work Humberto Quintero had done with Wandy in his last start. But Coop told one media gathering that he was starting Pudge both Tuesday and Wenesdays to "get this thing over" referring to Pudge's becoming the catcher with the most games behind the plate in baseball history. Since the mark could not be reached in Houston having Pudge do it in Arlington where he started and played the bulk of his career was a nice honor.
Not that it impressed many fans. Only 21, 676 were in attendance at the record tying game. That is a very low number for a couple of reasons. The Pudge Rodriguez quest for one, but the Rangers are a first place team in the AL West. Even without the artificial excitement of a North Texas vs Houston series for the Silver Boot, one would think a first place club might draw better.
After the game it was revealed that starting pitcher Mike Hampton is being placed on the disabled list due to a groin pull. He will be replaced in the rotation by Brandon Backe. This will be a very important start for Brandon since his relief work has hardly been impressive and his career might be hanging on by its fingernails. Wesley Wright will make a quick return from Nashville where he just joined RoundRock to take over the mythical "Golden YoYo Award" from Jeff Fulchino who HAD been the most moved around pitcher with the Astros up till now.
With the Astros things have a way of going from bad to good frequently, but the good has outweighed the bad over the last three weeks. Now, they simply have to bounce back on Wednesday. This will be the game AFTER the game following a day off. The Astros are 5-1 in those.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Injuries are Always Part of Baseball
As the Astros rest in North Texas getting ready to return to interleague play against the Rangers on Tuesday the club is in pretty good physical shape. Sure, the status of Geoff Blum and his balky hamstring may not be known till the club reports to the ballpark, and Jeff Keppinger is still having problems with a tight lower back, but the bulk of the players who definitely CAN perform are in pretty good shape. Kazuo Matsui actually will return to action after being disabled and Jose Valverde made his return after 47 days in Arizona.
I am purposely limiting it to that group since Doug Brocail and his hamstring injury and the continued recovery from heart valve surgery by Aaron Boone are two different matters.
Other than Boone's heart situation all the Astro injuries this year are typical baseball related stuff that every team has to deal with.
That has not always been the case in baseball history. Consider some of the more unique injuries that have sidelined major leaguers.
At least five players have missed time due to injuries acquired after sneezing! That list includes pitchers Don Aase, Goose Gossage, Marc Valdez and Russ Springer along with Sammy Sosa.
Former American League batting champ Wade Boggs hurt himself when he fell into a couch after losing his balance trying to put on a pair of cowboy boots.
At least two pitchers have missed starts after falling asleep in rocking chairs and rocking over their fingers. Fred Fitzsimmons was reportedly the first.
Jose Cardenal once asked out of the lineup because crickets had kept him awake all night. Another time Cardenal couldn't play on opening day because he had slept wrong and his eyelid was stuck shut. Chris Brown once missed five games after sleeping on his eye wrong.
Veteran pitcher John Smoltz needed treatment after he burned himself while ironing a shirt. He had tried ironing it while he was wearing it.
Clarence Blethen once has to leave a game after he bit himself while sliding into second base. He had been carrying his false teeth in his back pocket.
Glenallen Hill, now a coach for Colorado was so afraid of spiders that once while dreaming of them fell out of bed and crashed through a glass table. Then crawled through the glass seriously cutting himself.
Cardinal catcher Mike Matheny missed post season with the Cardials when he cut himself with a hunting knife. He had been trying to open a package and servered two tendons and a nerve on his ring finger.
Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano suffered elbow pain traced to excessive computer time e-mailing friends and relatives in Venezeuela.
But one of my favorites was Richie Sexson. He strained his neck on team photo day with the Brewers when he tried stretching a new cap on his head that was a full size smaller than it should have been. He could not play that day.
I am purposely limiting it to that group since Doug Brocail and his hamstring injury and the continued recovery from heart valve surgery by Aaron Boone are two different matters.
Other than Boone's heart situation all the Astro injuries this year are typical baseball related stuff that every team has to deal with.
That has not always been the case in baseball history. Consider some of the more unique injuries that have sidelined major leaguers.
At least five players have missed time due to injuries acquired after sneezing! That list includes pitchers Don Aase, Goose Gossage, Marc Valdez and Russ Springer along with Sammy Sosa.
Former American League batting champ Wade Boggs hurt himself when he fell into a couch after losing his balance trying to put on a pair of cowboy boots.
At least two pitchers have missed starts after falling asleep in rocking chairs and rocking over their fingers. Fred Fitzsimmons was reportedly the first.
Jose Cardenal once asked out of the lineup because crickets had kept him awake all night. Another time Cardenal couldn't play on opening day because he had slept wrong and his eyelid was stuck shut. Chris Brown once missed five games after sleeping on his eye wrong.
Veteran pitcher John Smoltz needed treatment after he burned himself while ironing a shirt. He had tried ironing it while he was wearing it.
Clarence Blethen once has to leave a game after he bit himself while sliding into second base. He had been carrying his false teeth in his back pocket.
Glenallen Hill, now a coach for Colorado was so afraid of spiders that once while dreaming of them fell out of bed and crashed through a glass table. Then crawled through the glass seriously cutting himself.
Cardinal catcher Mike Matheny missed post season with the Cardials when he cut himself with a hunting knife. He had been trying to open a package and servered two tendons and a nerve on his ring finger.
Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano suffered elbow pain traced to excessive computer time e-mailing friends and relatives in Venezeuela.
But one of my favorites was Richie Sexson. He strained his neck on team photo day with the Brewers when he tried stretching a new cap on his head that was a full size smaller than it should have been. He could not play that day.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
On to Arlilngton
The Astros won yet another series by taking two of three in Arizona. The climb to the top has been slow, but steady since... the LAST time the Astros met the Rangers. After that three game sweep in Houston the Astros fell flat in Cincinnati and eventually lost seven straight before they started their climb.
Now, only three games under .500 and within a good week of the top of the National League Central the Astros simply cannot afford to flop against the Rangers again.
Chances are that won't happen, but winning another series will be a tall order. The Rangers are vastly improved over recent years. But the Astros are playing well now so perhaps that can balance things out. One thing, forget the "Silver Boot." That is the Rangers this season. The Astros would have to sweep in Arlington AND win the total runs count. Neither is likely to happen. What is more important would be for the Astros to win the series and have a chance to improve their standing in what really matters--the NL Central.
Pitching matchups should be OK for the Astros. Wandy Rodriguez who bounced back in his last start meets Kevin Millwood on Tuesday. Russ Ortiz also off a good start tangles with Matt Harrison on Wednesday and Roy Oswalt off a solid outing goes against Vicente Padilla on Thursday. On top of that the Astros bullpen is nearly at full strength with Jose Valverde back.
While pitching rules the game the Astros also have Lance Berkman's bat starting to heat up. Two homers in the last two games in Phoenix. Thats a pretty good indication that Lance is finally back on track.
Now the bad part. With all this momentum the Astros are stuck in North Texas Monday on a day off. This is hardly a great place to have an off day. Its close to home, but it isn't. It is not a tourist area and is way too spread out for ease in getting around. Too bad the Minnesota trip did not preceed this visit to Irving and Arlington with the off day in Minneapolis. That is a nice downtown are to spend an off day in. Irving, Texas, is not.
Hopefully, at least the players will get rested and be ready to go on Tuesday night. Geoff Blum will have another day for his hamstring injury to heal. Carlos Lee will have time to get his body re-hydrated properly. And perhaps Jeff Keppinger's testy lower back will calm. We DO know that Kazuo Matsui will return on Tuesday and likely re-claim is starting spot at 2b.
But everything is on hold...till Tuesday evening. Astros Live Pregame at 6:30 with the first pitch shortly after 7pm...on FS Houston.
Now, only three games under .500 and within a good week of the top of the National League Central the Astros simply cannot afford to flop against the Rangers again.
Chances are that won't happen, but winning another series will be a tall order. The Rangers are vastly improved over recent years. But the Astros are playing well now so perhaps that can balance things out. One thing, forget the "Silver Boot." That is the Rangers this season. The Astros would have to sweep in Arlington AND win the total runs count. Neither is likely to happen. What is more important would be for the Astros to win the series and have a chance to improve their standing in what really matters--the NL Central.
Pitching matchups should be OK for the Astros. Wandy Rodriguez who bounced back in his last start meets Kevin Millwood on Tuesday. Russ Ortiz also off a good start tangles with Matt Harrison on Wednesday and Roy Oswalt off a solid outing goes against Vicente Padilla on Thursday. On top of that the Astros bullpen is nearly at full strength with Jose Valverde back.
While pitching rules the game the Astros also have Lance Berkman's bat starting to heat up. Two homers in the last two games in Phoenix. Thats a pretty good indication that Lance is finally back on track.
Now the bad part. With all this momentum the Astros are stuck in North Texas Monday on a day off. This is hardly a great place to have an off day. Its close to home, but it isn't. It is not a tourist area and is way too spread out for ease in getting around. Too bad the Minnesota trip did not preceed this visit to Irving and Arlington with the off day in Minneapolis. That is a nice downtown are to spend an off day in. Irving, Texas, is not.
Hopefully, at least the players will get rested and be ready to go on Tuesday night. Geoff Blum will have another day for his hamstring injury to heal. Carlos Lee will have time to get his body re-hydrated properly. And perhaps Jeff Keppinger's testy lower back will calm. We DO know that Kazuo Matsui will return on Tuesday and likely re-claim is starting spot at 2b.
But everything is on hold...till Tuesday evening. Astros Live Pregame at 6:30 with the first pitch shortly after 7pm...on FS Houston.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
THIS is why Baseball is a Great Game!
As soon as the Astros had wrapped up their Saturday night win over the Arizona Diamondbacks all of us who worked the game or even just watched the game had to know this was a big win for the club.
Two personal milestones were reached. The team's number one closer was back. And, with the win the Astros again closed within five games of the lead in the NL Central and are set to be able to win another series if they can close things out on Sunday.
Reaching the milestone of 2000 hits by Miguel Tejada and 300 home runs by Lance Berkman in the same inning with such important basehits in the game's outcome made them doubley sweet.
Miggy's single tied the score at 1-1 in the sixth inning after Jon Garland had kept the Astros well under control through the first five innings. Then one hitter later Berkman unloaded his blast for #300, but also gave the Astros a 3-1 lead.
Many were amazed that Lance was even allowed to get a swing in that situation. With first base open and two out...and with a slumping righthanded hitter who had only a career .177 average against Garland, Pudge Rodriguez, hitting next why did D-Back manager A.J. Hinch pitch to Berkman? Whatever his reason is was the wrong one. Garland missed with a cutter or slider that cut the middle of the plate and Lance did the rest.
The three run inning seemed to give Astro starter Roy Oswalt a surge of power. He said it was his curve ball finally coming around, but whatever it was Roy was perfect through the next two innings and even said he would have pitched the 8th if allowed to. As it was Roy threw 119 pitches, his season high.
The Astros tacked on three more runs in the 8th which turned out to be important and also proved that no strategic move is fool proof. After Jason Michaels doubled with one out Lance Berkman WAS intentionally walked this time. Pudge Rodriguez promptly singled driving in Michaels. Matt Kata and Edwin Maysonet drove in two more and the Astros led 6-1 to the bottom on the 8th.
That is when Chris Sampson failed. His failure (three successive hits and no outs) may have been caused by A. a tired arm or B. pain from his ailing hip. To observers it appeared to be B. but after the game manager Cecil Cooper said A. The bottom line is that the Astros need a healthy and effective Sampson even with Jose Valverde back.
Fortunately the combination of Byrda, Arias, Valverde...and in the 9th... Hawkins was up to the task and the Astros held on for the 6-4 victory.
Carlos Lee who left the game early with a left leg cramp will be fine. Geoff Blum and his left hamstring injury is a possible DL candidate when Kazuo Matsui is activated on Tuesday. Jeff Keppinger is experiencing lower back tightness but is not felt to be seriously injured.
So, the Astros up and down season continues. It has been much more "up" over the last few weeks. Back to only four games under .500 and just five off the top of the NL Central the next step is to win this series. A win Sunday is a necessity for that.
Two personal milestones were reached. The team's number one closer was back. And, with the win the Astros again closed within five games of the lead in the NL Central and are set to be able to win another series if they can close things out on Sunday.
Reaching the milestone of 2000 hits by Miguel Tejada and 300 home runs by Lance Berkman in the same inning with such important basehits in the game's outcome made them doubley sweet.
Miggy's single tied the score at 1-1 in the sixth inning after Jon Garland had kept the Astros well under control through the first five innings. Then one hitter later Berkman unloaded his blast for #300, but also gave the Astros a 3-1 lead.
Many were amazed that Lance was even allowed to get a swing in that situation. With first base open and two out...and with a slumping righthanded hitter who had only a career .177 average against Garland, Pudge Rodriguez, hitting next why did D-Back manager A.J. Hinch pitch to Berkman? Whatever his reason is was the wrong one. Garland missed with a cutter or slider that cut the middle of the plate and Lance did the rest.
The three run inning seemed to give Astro starter Roy Oswalt a surge of power. He said it was his curve ball finally coming around, but whatever it was Roy was perfect through the next two innings and even said he would have pitched the 8th if allowed to. As it was Roy threw 119 pitches, his season high.
The Astros tacked on three more runs in the 8th which turned out to be important and also proved that no strategic move is fool proof. After Jason Michaels doubled with one out Lance Berkman WAS intentionally walked this time. Pudge Rodriguez promptly singled driving in Michaels. Matt Kata and Edwin Maysonet drove in two more and the Astros led 6-1 to the bottom on the 8th.
That is when Chris Sampson failed. His failure (three successive hits and no outs) may have been caused by A. a tired arm or B. pain from his ailing hip. To observers it appeared to be B. but after the game manager Cecil Cooper said A. The bottom line is that the Astros need a healthy and effective Sampson even with Jose Valverde back.
Fortunately the combination of Byrda, Arias, Valverde...and in the 9th... Hawkins was up to the task and the Astros held on for the 6-4 victory.
Carlos Lee who left the game early with a left leg cramp will be fine. Geoff Blum and his left hamstring injury is a possible DL candidate when Kazuo Matsui is activated on Tuesday. Jeff Keppinger is experiencing lower back tightness but is not felt to be seriously injured.
So, the Astros up and down season continues. It has been much more "up" over the last few weeks. Back to only four games under .500 and just five off the top of the NL Central the next step is to win this series. A win Sunday is a necessity for that.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Behind the Scenes
When you watch television every night during an Astros game on FS Houston you are seeing the result of a very well co-ordinated effort by a lot of people who don't play the game.
They are the footsoldiers of the production team which includes announcers, producer, director, graphics editor and graphic operator, audio people, engineers and technicians, cameramen and/or women, tape and video operators and editors, booth or stage manager, video tape cameramen, runners and more. And that is only at the game site. Back in Houston we have many of the same positions working on Astros Live Pre and Post game. And out at the Woodlands Fox Operations Center everything from FS Houston as well as other Fox Regional networks have commercials added and are re-sent to the satellites transmitting it all.
This happens every night with games from all over the country.
There is a whole lot more behind the scenes (that my weak photo display at the top of this column can come close to showing.) By the way, the shows the booth look in Arizona where I am truly behind the scenes...and the big backdrop curtain in the booth handling our Twitter updates. Another is of the camera I am looking into during the pregame show and the third? Just a shot of some good Astro fans who wore their "gear" and sat near the Astro bench on Friday night.
The point of this piece in reality was just to point out again the enormity of just telecasting one Astro game on a Friday night in June. And it will all be repeated again tomorrow and the next day and on and on...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Isn't Winning Fun!
What a great homestand the Astros just finished! Winning two of three from the Cubs with the latter two on Geoff Blum walk off heroics was outstanding. But perhaps even more impressive was the pitching performances over the last two games by starters Wandy Rodriguez and Russ Ortiz and relievers Chris Sampson, Tim Byrdak and Jeff Fulchino primarily.
That was good pitching. Hitting? Not so much, but when the pitching is that good the hitters can be a bit less effective and the team can still win.
The Astros found themselves only five games off the National League Central lead yet STILL in last place! How is that for weird? In fact I may attempt to find what in the baseball annals is the closest to first place in games behind, yet still standing in last place this late in the season.
It is going to be hard to find a margin as close as five games on June 11 or 12 while still residing in the basement.
The Astros won't be in the basement long if they can parlay their home stand to the road trip that begins here in Phoenix Friday evening. In addition to climbing the standings some other events of note should occur on this trip. Miguel Tejada will acquire his 2000th career hit with his next one. Lance Berkman is only one home run from 300 for his career. And Pudge Rodriguez will pass Carlton Fisk in most games played as a catcher in the next week. He will actually pass both Fisk AND Bob Boone who caught one less game that Fisk. Meanwhile, Aaron Boone, Bob's son, is with the Astros on this trip. He joined the team in Houston for the Chicago series. Until Blum's game winning hit decided Wednesday's game he had never been on the bench during an Astro victory. Then he was on hand for two straight walk off wins.
Hopefully, that sort of luck will continue here in Phoenix where Aaron makes his off season home and where he is doing the recuperation from his aortic valve replacement during spring training.
After the game Thursday the Astros, possibly bouyed by the start from Russ Ortiz, elected to place pitcher Felipe Paulino on the disabled list and recall reliever Wesley Wright from Round Rock. Paulino has a groin strain that is not yet close to allowing him to get back on the mound. Wright got some needed work at RR including one start.
Be aware of the unusual start times here in Phoenix. Friday's game starts at 8:40 Houston time with Astros Live Pregame on FSHouston at 8pm. On Saturday the start will be a more normal 7:10 in Houston (5:10 here in Phoenix) with the Astros Live Pregame show 40 minutes earlier.
One interesting note from my second consecutive post game "hero" interview on the field with Geoff Blum on Thursday afternoon. When I pointed out to him that the series win over the Cubs was great for the Astros, of course, it probably was a big deal to the folks on the Southside of Chicago where Blum spent a half season with the World Champion White Sox (as Astro fans are well aware) in 2005. Geoff said that is surely the case and he had received texts from friends in Chicago after the game on Wednesday. No doubt there were even more on Thursday.
That was good pitching. Hitting? Not so much, but when the pitching is that good the hitters can be a bit less effective and the team can still win.
The Astros found themselves only five games off the National League Central lead yet STILL in last place! How is that for weird? In fact I may attempt to find what in the baseball annals is the closest to first place in games behind, yet still standing in last place this late in the season.
It is going to be hard to find a margin as close as five games on June 11 or 12 while still residing in the basement.
The Astros won't be in the basement long if they can parlay their home stand to the road trip that begins here in Phoenix Friday evening. In addition to climbing the standings some other events of note should occur on this trip. Miguel Tejada will acquire his 2000th career hit with his next one. Lance Berkman is only one home run from 300 for his career. And Pudge Rodriguez will pass Carlton Fisk in most games played as a catcher in the next week. He will actually pass both Fisk AND Bob Boone who caught one less game that Fisk. Meanwhile, Aaron Boone, Bob's son, is with the Astros on this trip. He joined the team in Houston for the Chicago series. Until Blum's game winning hit decided Wednesday's game he had never been on the bench during an Astro victory. Then he was on hand for two straight walk off wins.
Hopefully, that sort of luck will continue here in Phoenix where Aaron makes his off season home and where he is doing the recuperation from his aortic valve replacement during spring training.
After the game Thursday the Astros, possibly bouyed by the start from Russ Ortiz, elected to place pitcher Felipe Paulino on the disabled list and recall reliever Wesley Wright from Round Rock. Paulino has a groin strain that is not yet close to allowing him to get back on the mound. Wright got some needed work at RR including one start.
Be aware of the unusual start times here in Phoenix. Friday's game starts at 8:40 Houston time with Astros Live Pregame on FSHouston at 8pm. On Saturday the start will be a more normal 7:10 in Houston (5:10 here in Phoenix) with the Astros Live Pregame show 40 minutes earlier.
One interesting note from my second consecutive post game "hero" interview on the field with Geoff Blum on Thursday afternoon. When I pointed out to him that the series win over the Cubs was great for the Astros, of course, it probably was a big deal to the folks on the Southside of Chicago where Blum spent a half season with the World Champion White Sox (as Astro fans are well aware) in 2005. Geoff said that is surely the case and he had received texts from friends in Chicago after the game on Wednesday. No doubt there were even more on Thursday.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What a Difference a Day Makes
Yes, I know that was the title of a song from the 40s or 50s, but the sentiment is certainly true in baseball. After a crushing 7-1 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday all was right with the world again on Wednesday when Geoff Blum drove home the winning run in the last of the ninth and the Astros beat the Cubs 2-1. Not only that, but the Brewers lost and the last place Astros are now only six games from being in first place.
What a division the National League Central is.
However, after the game Thursday afternoon with the Cubs the Astros won't see a team in the Central for awhile. First a trip to Phoenix to meet the Arizona Diamonbacks for a series... then back to the American League for interleague play at Texas and at Minnesota. In recent years the spectre of interleague play has not been good for the Astros. This is probably in part because the American League is generally felt to be deeper in talent than the National. This is usually a cyclical thing. When interleague play began over a decade ago the National League was the more successful for several seasons. For the last several that has not been the case and the Astros are just one example.
For the Astros to stay IN the National League Central race they need to win OUT of the National League. Texas has already proven to be a tough test having won all three of the games played earlier in Minute Maid Park. Minnesota will be tough at home.
If there is hope for the Astros it may be that they have been winning more of late, but their progress practically mirrors Lance Berkman's rise in batting average. Both have been very slow, but steady.
They cannot afford any back-sliding. If the starting pitching can continue to be as effective as it has been--preferably even better--the should be OK.
Mike Hampton seems to have "found" it. Wandy Rodriguez was very solid on Wednesday after two very weak outings and a somewhat shaky start. He finished impressively strong. Felipe Paulino seemed to be coming around before having to step aside for at least one start with a groin injury. Russ Ortiz needs a good start on Thursday AND Brian Moehler has to be much more consistent.
If they can't keep up the page Cecil Cooper alluded a real possibility of help being brought in from Round Rock. How soon? That is up to the pitchers now getting the work.
Geoff Geary was the first of two staff changes expected in the next few days. He was activated from the disabled list, but assigned to Round Rock instead of the Astros. As a veteran player he has up to three days whether he will accept the assignment or file for free agency. At this stage of the season and his current situation it would seem to be much wiser for him to accept the move to Round Rock. He will have a chance to come back if he performs well.
A second move must be made when Jose Valverde is activated within days. Word from Minnesota is that the Twins would be interested in re-acquiring LaTroy Hawkins. If Valverde comes back fully ready to work that would be an interesting possibility presuming the Twins had something in their farm system of interest to the Astros. If no trades are on the horizon a distinct possibility exists that Brandon Backe will be faced with the "Geary option" and would have to evaluate his status.
It should be an interesting next few days.
What a division the National League Central is.
However, after the game Thursday afternoon with the Cubs the Astros won't see a team in the Central for awhile. First a trip to Phoenix to meet the Arizona Diamonbacks for a series... then back to the American League for interleague play at Texas and at Minnesota. In recent years the spectre of interleague play has not been good for the Astros. This is probably in part because the American League is generally felt to be deeper in talent than the National. This is usually a cyclical thing. When interleague play began over a decade ago the National League was the more successful for several seasons. For the last several that has not been the case and the Astros are just one example.
For the Astros to stay IN the National League Central race they need to win OUT of the National League. Texas has already proven to be a tough test having won all three of the games played earlier in Minute Maid Park. Minnesota will be tough at home.
If there is hope for the Astros it may be that they have been winning more of late, but their progress practically mirrors Lance Berkman's rise in batting average. Both have been very slow, but steady.
They cannot afford any back-sliding. If the starting pitching can continue to be as effective as it has been--preferably even better--the should be OK.
Mike Hampton seems to have "found" it. Wandy Rodriguez was very solid on Wednesday after two very weak outings and a somewhat shaky start. He finished impressively strong. Felipe Paulino seemed to be coming around before having to step aside for at least one start with a groin injury. Russ Ortiz needs a good start on Thursday AND Brian Moehler has to be much more consistent.
If they can't keep up the page Cecil Cooper alluded a real possibility of help being brought in from Round Rock. How soon? That is up to the pitchers now getting the work.
Geoff Geary was the first of two staff changes expected in the next few days. He was activated from the disabled list, but assigned to Round Rock instead of the Astros. As a veteran player he has up to three days whether he will accept the assignment or file for free agency. At this stage of the season and his current situation it would seem to be much wiser for him to accept the move to Round Rock. He will have a chance to come back if he performs well.
A second move must be made when Jose Valverde is activated within days. Word from Minnesota is that the Twins would be interested in re-acquiring LaTroy Hawkins. If Valverde comes back fully ready to work that would be an interesting possibility presuming the Twins had something in their farm system of interest to the Astros. If no trades are on the horizon a distinct possibility exists that Brandon Backe will be faced with the "Geary option" and would have to evaluate his status.
It should be an interesting next few days.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Great Simulated Games I have Known
If that headline doesn't get you attention don't be dismayed. For many folks don't have the foggiest idea what a "simulated game" is anyway.
The photo above shows part of one. It may look like batting practice, but it is much more. The pitcher is a real Astro pitcher, Geoff Geary, and the hitter is Kazuo Matsui.
Geary in not just laying the ball in there as a batting practice pitcher would. He is trying to make pitches to get Matsui out. And Kazuo is trying to get a base hit.
If Kaz gets a hit, or hits a ball that would likely be a hit or out...or walks... or strikes out another hitter takes his place. Geary is trying to get out of one inning at a time. Other players, usually bench players who don't see much live pitching stand in wait to hit.
In this case both Kazuo and Geary are trying to get back in shape so they need to hit and pitch against each other. But Matt Kata and Jason Michaels also took part. Michaels told me later he loves simulated games because as a bench player he needs the live looks.
Now the players won't admit it, but they know when they have had a good simulated game at the plate. I saw Jason rip a double and single during his at bats....or at least what would have been a double and single had their been fielders in place.
There is no baserunning in a simulated game and often the manager or pitching or hitting coach will decide what was a strike and what was a ball.
When I was doing Texas Ranger play by play in the late 80s and early 90s one of the highlights was watching any simulated game Nolan Ryan pitched. After his first couple of seasons with the Rangers he was often injured and had to work his way back in shape by throwing simulated games. Players had to be practically ordered to take part because of Nolan's power pitching style, occasional wildness and the fact that he took the darn things so seriously.
Oh yes, one other thing. Nolan was his own umpire. Nolan threw a lot of strikes on those simulated games. And who was to argue. It a hitter did--even a teammate--he might get moved off the plate with the next offering.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tales of the Game Learned by Reading
No matter what your walk of life if you are going to stay on top of it you must always be learning. An insurance agent has to learn the new laws and computer technique for handling policies. A hair stylist has to keep on top of the new trends. And certainly we all want our medical professionals to know about the latest treatments and preventions.
The same is true with folks in sports media. You can't live a life off notecards and the same old stories. You have to read a lot and hope some of what you read sticks. Obviously one has to read newspapers (or their digital equivalent), web sites and magazines for the daily news. But history and "how to" books are also of great value.
Being in a business that involves a good deal of travel and time away from home I read a lot of baseball history. This season I have read bios on Stan Musial, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb, Eddie Waitkus (he's the fellow that was shot by a fan and whom the Robert Redford character in "The Natural " was loosely based) and Lou Brissie. I have also read a book on the first World Series between Boston and Pittsburg (that was the correct spelling of Pittsburgh in 1903) and a book dealing with players who were good, but for one reason or another not considered great.
And what one can learn is fun. During the years I have written "Tales of the Game" and now "Hardball History" for various programs on FSN the pages of books like these have provided a great deal of information.
For instance let get back to that spelling of Pittsburgh. It seems between 1890 and 1911 the "h" in Pittsburgh was dropped by the United States Board of Geographic Names. Why? That would be for other resarchers. But I also learned that in the first World Series the games were littered with ground rule triples and ground rule doubles due to the allowance of the overflow crowds to fill the outfield and be restrained by ropes.
From the Clemente book I learned the extent which the Dodgers tried to hide him while he was in their minor league system so he would not be taken in what we now call the Rule V draft. It didn't work, of course, as the Pirates selected him where he played his whole great career.
From the Eddie Waitkus book I learned that Ruth Ann Steinhagen, the young woman who invited him to her room then shot him with a a .22 calibre rifle which she had purchased for $21 at a pawn shop had planned to shoot herself after Waitkus, but the gun jammed. Miss Steinhagen was sent to a mental institution but released and lived with her family the rest of her life.
From the Ty Cobb book I received more confirmation that he was a great baseball player, but a very flawed human being. Racist to be sure. Cruel, yes. Perhaps not even mentally stable in his later days. But Ty Cobb was certainly not uninteresting.
I could go on and on about some of the things that can be learned that go into the memory bank we call our brains.
But perhaps the most interesting story was the book titled, "The Corporal was a Pitcher", the story of Lou Brissie. I did not know anything about Lou Brissie except I seemed to remember he was the head of the American Legion Junior baseball program in the period when I played or close to it.
Brissie came back from a multiple wounds suffered in World War II that threatened the loss of a leg to pitch successfully in the major leagues for over six years. He did it with a leg that had to be tightly wrapped and protected and which was nearly double the size of his other leg because of that. He always pitched in pain, but he was good. Bob Feller, no less, said the lefty would have been a Hall of Famer for sure had it not been for World War II. I didn't know a thing about Lou Brissie before reading the book. He played just before I was old enough to get interested in baseball and not being star...or not having a movie written about him like Monty Stratton.. he fell through the cracks. Lou Brissie was the kind of player we all should know and remember. He went through a war and suffered major injuries but he never gave up and made it. That is a lesson for everyone, not just athletes.
The same is true with folks in sports media. You can't live a life off notecards and the same old stories. You have to read a lot and hope some of what you read sticks. Obviously one has to read newspapers (or their digital equivalent), web sites and magazines for the daily news. But history and "how to" books are also of great value.
Being in a business that involves a good deal of travel and time away from home I read a lot of baseball history. This season I have read bios on Stan Musial, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb, Eddie Waitkus (he's the fellow that was shot by a fan and whom the Robert Redford character in "The Natural " was loosely based) and Lou Brissie. I have also read a book on the first World Series between Boston and Pittsburg (that was the correct spelling of Pittsburgh in 1903) and a book dealing with players who were good, but for one reason or another not considered great.
And what one can learn is fun. During the years I have written "Tales of the Game" and now "Hardball History" for various programs on FSN the pages of books like these have provided a great deal of information.
For instance let get back to that spelling of Pittsburgh. It seems between 1890 and 1911 the "h" in Pittsburgh was dropped by the United States Board of Geographic Names. Why? That would be for other resarchers. But I also learned that in the first World Series the games were littered with ground rule triples and ground rule doubles due to the allowance of the overflow crowds to fill the outfield and be restrained by ropes.
From the Clemente book I learned the extent which the Dodgers tried to hide him while he was in their minor league system so he would not be taken in what we now call the Rule V draft. It didn't work, of course, as the Pirates selected him where he played his whole great career.
From the Eddie Waitkus book I learned that Ruth Ann Steinhagen, the young woman who invited him to her room then shot him with a a .22 calibre rifle which she had purchased for $21 at a pawn shop had planned to shoot herself after Waitkus, but the gun jammed. Miss Steinhagen was sent to a mental institution but released and lived with her family the rest of her life.
From the Ty Cobb book I received more confirmation that he was a great baseball player, but a very flawed human being. Racist to be sure. Cruel, yes. Perhaps not even mentally stable in his later days. But Ty Cobb was certainly not uninteresting.
I could go on and on about some of the things that can be learned that go into the memory bank we call our brains.
But perhaps the most interesting story was the book titled, "The Corporal was a Pitcher", the story of Lou Brissie. I did not know anything about Lou Brissie except I seemed to remember he was the head of the American Legion Junior baseball program in the period when I played or close to it.
Brissie came back from a multiple wounds suffered in World War II that threatened the loss of a leg to pitch successfully in the major leagues for over six years. He did it with a leg that had to be tightly wrapped and protected and which was nearly double the size of his other leg because of that. He always pitched in pain, but he was good. Bob Feller, no less, said the lefty would have been a Hall of Famer for sure had it not been for World War II. I didn't know a thing about Lou Brissie before reading the book. He played just before I was old enough to get interested in baseball and not being star...or not having a movie written about him like Monty Stratton.. he fell through the cracks. Lou Brissie was the kind of player we all should know and remember. He went through a war and suffered major injuries but he never gave up and made it. That is a lesson for everyone, not just athletes.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Immediate Future and Long Term for Astros
The Astros had a good weekend at comfortable Minute Maid Park. They took two of three from the Pirates with backup catcher Humberto Quintero starring in both the wins. They upped their record on the current homestand to 6-2, crept a bit closer to .500 and stayed in the National League Central pennant race albeit with still five teams to climb over.
But there will be changes in the next week. Two pitchers and soon an infielder will be ready to come off the disabled list requiring some shuffling of players at best and putting careers in jeopardy at worst.
Both Geoff Geary and Jose Valverde should be ready to be activated by the time the club leaves town for their next road trip following Thursday's afternoon game with the Cubs. And when they are activated two players must leave the roster to make room. Perhaps a tough decision for GM Ed Wade?
Any pitcher who still has options has to be concerned, but based on effectiveness at least one of that number shouldn't be. Jeff Fulchino has options and has been on the "Yo-Yo Road" before. But he has been quite effective out of the bullpen. Would the Astros send him back again?
Alberto Arias might be a candidate, but he has also pitched well and serves as the ex-officio second lefty in the pen. Although a righthander Alberto has a good record against many lefthanded hitters.
That leave two other thoughts. One involves Brandon Backe. Brandon can not be sent to the minors without passing through waivers and agreeing. But Brandon is in pitcher limbo right now. He is the second long man in the pen...something most clubs have no need for. He has not pitched well in the three innings he has been assigned. To a degree that has to be discounted. Three innings in an unfamiliar role is not much of a sample. Will he get a chance to go back into what he has more experience doing--starting?
It would seem that Russ Ortiz will be the first bullpenner elevated to the rotation if an opening occurs due to his effectiveness in the long man role after he left the rotation. Since there may be an opening at least for a start or two with Felipe Paulino nursing a groin strain that would seem to make Russ safe for this week.
There is another scenario to make room for Geary and Valverde and that involves a trade. It would seem likely the club will be part of the market in a few weeks with some veterans without long term futures in Astro pin stripes who may move on if the Astros can get suitable returns.
Maybe that process can be sped up to clear space by the end of this week. From this corner that would be the most likely way Backe can save his career at this point. Either HE has to be traded or someone else to allow him to stay on the roster.
Oh yes, Kazuo Matsui will be eligible to be activated in a few days. Matt Kata would be the likely candidate to return to Round Rock. But does Kazuo automatically re-claim his position or do the Astros give him a few days off to see if Edwin Maysonet cools? While Matsui is a switch hitter he could be facing a platoon much as the switch hitting Geoff Blum has at third base with Jeff Keppinger. Both Maysonet and Keppinger have shown an ability and right to play.
All of these are decisions the Astro brass has to make soon. Its a whole lot more than just switching pitchers and flashing signs.
MINOR LEAGUE HILIGHTS:
At Round Rock Tommy Manzella who has a big league glove is finally showing he may have a big league bat, too. The former Tulane star is hitting .311 and and committed only five errors in 55 games... former Tulane teammate Brian Bogusevic is hitting .292. He is not showing much power but as an OB% of .370... 3B Chris Johnson after an injury plagued start is up to .286 in 84 at bats, but is striking out too often. He has fanned once in every four at bats and has only a .303 OB% with only one home run....Catcher J.R. Towles continues to plug away--successfully. He is hitting .293 with an OB% of .376. As for pitching Yorman Bazardo who came from the Philly system is 7-2 with a 2.45 era...Bud Norris has been unlucky (2-4) but good 2.63 era in 11 starts. He is still a bit wild, but has fanned one per inning pitched. Oh yes, Wesley Wright is doing well. In three games he has pitched 6.1 innings and allowed only one hit.
THE FUTURE STARTS TUESDAY
The MLB first year player draft starts Tuesday evening and runs for a couple of days. It is not as secretive as it was for years. In fact the new MLB Network will televise round one at 5pm Central on Tuesday. MLB.com will simulcast the coverage and be the sight for all the later rounds as the draft continues. Craig Biggio will represent the Astros in New Jersey. If you want some background on the top prospects a number 0f internet sites can help including Baseball America.
But there will be changes in the next week. Two pitchers and soon an infielder will be ready to come off the disabled list requiring some shuffling of players at best and putting careers in jeopardy at worst.
Both Geoff Geary and Jose Valverde should be ready to be activated by the time the club leaves town for their next road trip following Thursday's afternoon game with the Cubs. And when they are activated two players must leave the roster to make room. Perhaps a tough decision for GM Ed Wade?
Any pitcher who still has options has to be concerned, but based on effectiveness at least one of that number shouldn't be. Jeff Fulchino has options and has been on the "Yo-Yo Road" before. But he has been quite effective out of the bullpen. Would the Astros send him back again?
Alberto Arias might be a candidate, but he has also pitched well and serves as the ex-officio second lefty in the pen. Although a righthander Alberto has a good record against many lefthanded hitters.
That leave two other thoughts. One involves Brandon Backe. Brandon can not be sent to the minors without passing through waivers and agreeing. But Brandon is in pitcher limbo right now. He is the second long man in the pen...something most clubs have no need for. He has not pitched well in the three innings he has been assigned. To a degree that has to be discounted. Three innings in an unfamiliar role is not much of a sample. Will he get a chance to go back into what he has more experience doing--starting?
It would seem that Russ Ortiz will be the first bullpenner elevated to the rotation if an opening occurs due to his effectiveness in the long man role after he left the rotation. Since there may be an opening at least for a start or two with Felipe Paulino nursing a groin strain that would seem to make Russ safe for this week.
There is another scenario to make room for Geary and Valverde and that involves a trade. It would seem likely the club will be part of the market in a few weeks with some veterans without long term futures in Astro pin stripes who may move on if the Astros can get suitable returns.
Maybe that process can be sped up to clear space by the end of this week. From this corner that would be the most likely way Backe can save his career at this point. Either HE has to be traded or someone else to allow him to stay on the roster.
Oh yes, Kazuo Matsui will be eligible to be activated in a few days. Matt Kata would be the likely candidate to return to Round Rock. But does Kazuo automatically re-claim his position or do the Astros give him a few days off to see if Edwin Maysonet cools? While Matsui is a switch hitter he could be facing a platoon much as the switch hitting Geoff Blum has at third base with Jeff Keppinger. Both Maysonet and Keppinger have shown an ability and right to play.
All of these are decisions the Astro brass has to make soon. Its a whole lot more than just switching pitchers and flashing signs.
MINOR LEAGUE HILIGHTS:
At Round Rock Tommy Manzella who has a big league glove is finally showing he may have a big league bat, too. The former Tulane star is hitting .311 and and committed only five errors in 55 games... former Tulane teammate Brian Bogusevic is hitting .292. He is not showing much power but as an OB% of .370... 3B Chris Johnson after an injury plagued start is up to .286 in 84 at bats, but is striking out too often. He has fanned once in every four at bats and has only a .303 OB% with only one home run....Catcher J.R. Towles continues to plug away--successfully. He is hitting .293 with an OB% of .376. As for pitching Yorman Bazardo who came from the Philly system is 7-2 with a 2.45 era...Bud Norris has been unlucky (2-4) but good 2.63 era in 11 starts. He is still a bit wild, but has fanned one per inning pitched. Oh yes, Wesley Wright is doing well. In three games he has pitched 6.1 innings and allowed only one hit.
THE FUTURE STARTS TUESDAY
The MLB first year player draft starts Tuesday evening and runs for a couple of days. It is not as secretive as it was for years. In fact the new MLB Network will televise round one at 5pm Central on Tuesday. MLB.com will simulcast the coverage and be the sight for all the later rounds as the draft continues. Craig Biggio will represent the Astros in New Jersey. If you want some background on the top prospects a number 0f internet sites can help including Baseball America.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Odds 'n Ends
In this edition of what's on my mind I let it meander through a Saturday of sports. Let's start with an update from the college baseball super regionals. Before huge record setting crowds at Baton Rouge the home town LSU Tigers swept the Rice Owls in two straight. Judging from the way the games went,the best team did win. Rice didn't get the pitching it was used to, but then, they WERE going against the #1 ranked team in the country. It was a good season for Rice, but ended on a sad note to be sure.
Meanwhile the Texas Longhorns have a chance to move into the College World Series with a win on Sunday against TCU after taking the opener of that best of three on Saturday. Any team with the pitching UT can put on the mound is a strong candidate to win the big one. The Longhorns went into the tournament as the #1 seed although LSU was ranked #1. They may be meeting each other in Omaha.
Now to meander over to Minute Maid Park. The Astros lost to the Pirates 6-4 on Saturday night. The game featured two three run innings off Roy Oswalt, a booming two run homer by Hunter Pence and later a triple, but not much else of note.
It was instructive after the game to learn from Roy that he felt his problem stemmed from never feeling right on the mound and being unable to corral a curveball that he estimated he threw 20 times, but only a couple for strikes. Roy did get himself together after those bad innings in the 2nd and 3rd to get through six. But the Astros couldn't score at all after the fifth and the Pirates evened the series at a game apiece.
The crowd of 26,000+ was hardly alive most of the game. It was just one of those nights.
The Astros thus far are a puzzle. No one really expected them to be world beaters this season--except maybe owner Drayton McLane, Jr.-- but they have some individuals who have put up impressive numbers like Miguel Tejada, Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee yet they have trouble scoring runs.
Those impressive numbers do not include huge home run or rbi totals. That's the rub. A good number of base runners who fail to ever touch home plate.
Meanwhile, the ace of the pitching staff, Roy Oswalt, has been average at best. The number two man, Wandy Rodriguez, got off to a superb start, but has been well less than average in the last two starts. It seems when one leak is patched another is sprung. That is why the club can't get to and surpass the .500 mark.
An argument can be made that GM Ed Wade start to consider tearing apart what contracts will allow with the club and look to the future. That would mean trying to trade such commodities as Miguel Tejada, Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Valverde and perhaps LaTroy Hawkins to contenders who have holes to fill and top minor league talent to deal. The four mentioned have no contractural obligations to the Astros after this season, are older, and while they can still play would not figure in a long term build up here.
The problem is that even though the Astros are sub .500 they are not really far enough out of contention to weaken the club more, which is what would likely happen in the short term if the vets made way for youth. That is what Astro management has to consider- balancing the long term future with short term economics and potential.
The Astros do not want to become the Pirates. The club has been woeful for a long time. Some of their moves almost guarantee that will continue. The seem to ALWAYS make room for their newest minor league phenom and trade away an established young player who will cost more than they think they can afford. Jason Bay and Nate McLouth are just the two more recent.
If you get good young players you simply have to be able to hold on or you will never make the club a winner. Odds are the next "phenom" won't be as good as the young player you give up on. Would you trade Hunter Pence because he may be due a big contract in arbitration to make room for Brian Bogusevic? You had better say, "No," or you are no better than the Pirates.
At least the Florida Marlins held on to their young stars long enough to win a couple World Series. What they did after winning and decimating the teams guaranteed them years of tepid fan support, but at least they DID win the Series twice. The Pirates have the timing all wrong.
The Astros to continue the long term financial and on field success they have been over the past decade can't use either team as a model. They do have to find a better way to mix youth with veterans and develop more young players in their own system. They are on the way right now.
Whatever happens on the field the rest of this season won't alter that plan.
Meanwhile the Texas Longhorns have a chance to move into the College World Series with a win on Sunday against TCU after taking the opener of that best of three on Saturday. Any team with the pitching UT can put on the mound is a strong candidate to win the big one. The Longhorns went into the tournament as the #1 seed although LSU was ranked #1. They may be meeting each other in Omaha.
Now to meander over to Minute Maid Park. The Astros lost to the Pirates 6-4 on Saturday night. The game featured two three run innings off Roy Oswalt, a booming two run homer by Hunter Pence and later a triple, but not much else of note.
It was instructive after the game to learn from Roy that he felt his problem stemmed from never feeling right on the mound and being unable to corral a curveball that he estimated he threw 20 times, but only a couple for strikes. Roy did get himself together after those bad innings in the 2nd and 3rd to get through six. But the Astros couldn't score at all after the fifth and the Pirates evened the series at a game apiece.
The crowd of 26,000+ was hardly alive most of the game. It was just one of those nights.
The Astros thus far are a puzzle. No one really expected them to be world beaters this season--except maybe owner Drayton McLane, Jr.-- but they have some individuals who have put up impressive numbers like Miguel Tejada, Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee yet they have trouble scoring runs.
Those impressive numbers do not include huge home run or rbi totals. That's the rub. A good number of base runners who fail to ever touch home plate.
Meanwhile, the ace of the pitching staff, Roy Oswalt, has been average at best. The number two man, Wandy Rodriguez, got off to a superb start, but has been well less than average in the last two starts. It seems when one leak is patched another is sprung. That is why the club can't get to and surpass the .500 mark.
An argument can be made that GM Ed Wade start to consider tearing apart what contracts will allow with the club and look to the future. That would mean trying to trade such commodities as Miguel Tejada, Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Valverde and perhaps LaTroy Hawkins to contenders who have holes to fill and top minor league talent to deal. The four mentioned have no contractural obligations to the Astros after this season, are older, and while they can still play would not figure in a long term build up here.
The problem is that even though the Astros are sub .500 they are not really far enough out of contention to weaken the club more, which is what would likely happen in the short term if the vets made way for youth. That is what Astro management has to consider- balancing the long term future with short term economics and potential.
The Astros do not want to become the Pirates. The club has been woeful for a long time. Some of their moves almost guarantee that will continue. The seem to ALWAYS make room for their newest minor league phenom and trade away an established young player who will cost more than they think they can afford. Jason Bay and Nate McLouth are just the two more recent.
If you get good young players you simply have to be able to hold on or you will never make the club a winner. Odds are the next "phenom" won't be as good as the young player you give up on. Would you trade Hunter Pence because he may be due a big contract in arbitration to make room for Brian Bogusevic? You had better say, "No," or you are no better than the Pirates.
At least the Florida Marlins held on to their young stars long enough to win a couple World Series. What they did after winning and decimating the teams guaranteed them years of tepid fan support, but at least they DID win the Series twice. The Pirates have the timing all wrong.
The Astros to continue the long term financial and on field success they have been over the past decade can't use either team as a model. They do have to find a better way to mix youth with veterans and develop more young players in their own system. They are on the way right now.
Whatever happens on the field the rest of this season won't alter that plan.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Why Carlos is an Enigma
The grand slam home run that Carlos Lee hit in Friday night's 9-1 Astro win over the Pirates was just another example of why he is a feared major league hitter. He is one of the best run producers in the game. The problem is this is the same player who A. Runs bases like he thinks he is fast except B. When he thinks he is an easy out. Then he runs very slowly. C. He often plays ball in left field using an internal clock. Balls that he knows will be doubles, but can't be triples are not returned to the infield with any great speed.
In other words its a good thing Carlos can really hit!
Its also a good thing Jeff Lillicotch loves his job. Jeff is the middle man in the photo flanked by Bart Enis and Kevin Eschenfelder in the Minute Maid Park press box. He is the pre game and post game producer for every Rocket or Astro game aired on FS Houston. The emphasis is EVERY GAME. You see Jeff has fewer days off than a major league baseball player. He's a two sport guy. What will he do with Sunday (a channel 20 and thus no pre and post game show) AND Monday (a full off day) is hard to imagine. Knowing Jeff he will probably show up at the ballpark on Sunday to sit with me while I wait to see if I am handling a post game interview of not.
Kevin, of course, is the pre game and post game host for MOST Rocket and Astro games. He does have Bart around to cover on occasion to give him a rest. And that's only fair. Kevin is still doing quite a bit of commuting from North Texas to Houston when he can. Moving a family in the middle of a school year when selling a house is not the easiest thing in the world.
Kevin is not alone. Gene Dias who joined the Astros just before spring training to replace Jimmy Stanton as media relations director has a family in the Philadelphia area yet. Kevin at least can drive between North Texas and Houston when there is enough time. Gene does not have that option. So, I guess every negative could be worse!
I was the radio play by play announcer for the Indiana Pacers about 20 years ago. My wife and son still lived in Houston while I had an apartment in Indianapolis. Other than one six week period where I never made it home, I was able to sneak in on some old overnight flights that the late Eastern Airlines had between Houston and Indianapolis and reverse. They used them to reposition planes and move cargo. They sold seats on those flights that often left at 3AM for only $59. As I recall the Pacers even picked up the cost so I could see the family at least some.
In baseball a team may be on the road for up to two weeks. Only pro football teams have a normal living schedule. For road games they normally are only away from home for two days. That means about 16 days away during the whole six month season.
Many of us in the sports business have similar tales of long periods separated from family or sports jobs that essentially are every day while in season. It is all part of the business. In many cases you can make up for the constant work during the season by having a much looser schedule during the off season. It is not a "normal" life. But most of us would not trade it either.
Super Regionals are Pressure Packed
In Major League Baseball the goal is always to get to the World Series. Winning the World Series is something a team thinks about once the get there.
The same is true in the major college ranks. Everyone wants to get to Omaha for the College World Series. Sportswriters and columnists want the teams they cover to qualify so THEY can get to Omaha as well. Being part of the big show is special.
As this weekend begins four teams in our region of the country and two especially close to our FSHouston home are about to got to battle to see if they can make an Omaha visit.
The Texas Longhorns have the best chance to making the CWS. They are the number one seeded team in the tourney field and have the home field advantage in their super regional with Texas Christian. TCU has had an up and coming program for a few years, but they don't have the glitz, glamor or certainly history of success as the Longhorns. But don't let that get in the way of analyzing why the 'Horns are favored. Just look at one column in their statistics sheet. The Texas Longorn TEAM earned run average is 2.83! That is frankly amazing. Only Brandon Workman among the regular starting pitchers has an ERA as high as 3.45. The others are Cole Green at 2.98, Chance Ruffin at 2.95 and Taylor Jungmann at 2.45. Famed reliever Austin Wood--he of the 12 no hit innings and 13.1ip in relief a few days ago-- carries a 2.03 earned run average.
Texas is also one of the finest defensive teams as well. Their team fielding percentage is .979. That must be tempered when it is noted they play all their home games on artificial turf which results in more consistent bounces.
If there is an Achilles heel with the 44-13-1 Longhorns it would be their offense. A team batting average of .287 would be excellent in major league baseball. But in college ball it is low. The team is also lacking in power with only 36 home runs and no single player with more than eight. Even so, they average scoring just over six runs per game. With that pitching and defense that is normally easily enough. The opposition averages less than four runs per game.
If there is a team from our region that could challenge the Longhorns it is the Rice Owls. Not only did the Owls win both games in a home and home series during the season, but they may be a bit more balanced. The team earned run average of 4.07 is good for college, but can't compare to that of Texas. But the Owls hit at a .322 clip with 66 home runs. They average 7.5 runs per game while surrendering an average of 4.8. Defensively Rice has a team .971 percentage which is at least equal to Texas' .979 since the Owls play on real grass. Of course, beautiful Reckling Park is in as fine condition as most major league fields.
Like Texas Rice's top three starters do not have an ERA over 3.45. Taylor Wall who pitched a complete game shutout in his last outing carries that. Mike Ojala is at 1.73 and Ryan Berry at 2.00
While Texas' big hitter, and one of only three .300+ hitters in the Longhorn lineup is Brandon Belt at .338 with 8HR and 38 RBIs, Rice is loaded. Third baseman Anthony Rendon, the national freshman player of the year, is hitting .384 with 19HR and 70 RBIs. Brock Holt has also cracked ten homers and 40 RBIs to go with a .346 average. Six other starters are hitting over .300. Five of the eight regulars have stolen bases in double figures, too.
Now that I have extolled the virtues of both Texas and LSU two things are still possible roadblocks to having either or both teams make it to Omaha. For Texas it is the necessity of getting past TCU this weekend. For Rice--an even larger obstacle-- LSU. The Tigers are in their den at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. Perhaps even more important, they are very good. Ranked #1 in the nation this week--to Rice's #6 the winner will be a very strong candidate to win it all. Should be a great college baseball weekend. The Rice-LSU series by the way will be available on TV to the nation and on radio in the Houston area on 91.7fm.
The same is true in the major college ranks. Everyone wants to get to Omaha for the College World Series. Sportswriters and columnists want the teams they cover to qualify so THEY can get to Omaha as well. Being part of the big show is special.
As this weekend begins four teams in our region of the country and two especially close to our FSHouston home are about to got to battle to see if they can make an Omaha visit.
The Texas Longhorns have the best chance to making the CWS. They are the number one seeded team in the tourney field and have the home field advantage in their super regional with Texas Christian. TCU has had an up and coming program for a few years, but they don't have the glitz, glamor or certainly history of success as the Longhorns. But don't let that get in the way of analyzing why the 'Horns are favored. Just look at one column in their statistics sheet. The Texas Longorn TEAM earned run average is 2.83! That is frankly amazing. Only Brandon Workman among the regular starting pitchers has an ERA as high as 3.45. The others are Cole Green at 2.98, Chance Ruffin at 2.95 and Taylor Jungmann at 2.45. Famed reliever Austin Wood--he of the 12 no hit innings and 13.1ip in relief a few days ago-- carries a 2.03 earned run average.
Texas is also one of the finest defensive teams as well. Their team fielding percentage is .979. That must be tempered when it is noted they play all their home games on artificial turf which results in more consistent bounces.
If there is an Achilles heel with the 44-13-1 Longhorns it would be their offense. A team batting average of .287 would be excellent in major league baseball. But in college ball it is low. The team is also lacking in power with only 36 home runs and no single player with more than eight. Even so, they average scoring just over six runs per game. With that pitching and defense that is normally easily enough. The opposition averages less than four runs per game.
If there is a team from our region that could challenge the Longhorns it is the Rice Owls. Not only did the Owls win both games in a home and home series during the season, but they may be a bit more balanced. The team earned run average of 4.07 is good for college, but can't compare to that of Texas. But the Owls hit at a .322 clip with 66 home runs. They average 7.5 runs per game while surrendering an average of 4.8. Defensively Rice has a team .971 percentage which is at least equal to Texas' .979 since the Owls play on real grass. Of course, beautiful Reckling Park is in as fine condition as most major league fields.
Like Texas Rice's top three starters do not have an ERA over 3.45. Taylor Wall who pitched a complete game shutout in his last outing carries that. Mike Ojala is at 1.73 and Ryan Berry at 2.00
While Texas' big hitter, and one of only three .300+ hitters in the Longhorn lineup is Brandon Belt at .338 with 8HR and 38 RBIs, Rice is loaded. Third baseman Anthony Rendon, the national freshman player of the year, is hitting .384 with 19HR and 70 RBIs. Brock Holt has also cracked ten homers and 40 RBIs to go with a .346 average. Six other starters are hitting over .300. Five of the eight regulars have stolen bases in double figures, too.
Now that I have extolled the virtues of both Texas and LSU two things are still possible roadblocks to having either or both teams make it to Omaha. For Texas it is the necessity of getting past TCU this weekend. For Rice--an even larger obstacle-- LSU. The Tigers are in their den at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. Perhaps even more important, they are very good. Ranked #1 in the nation this week--to Rice's #6 the winner will be a very strong candidate to win it all. Should be a great college baseball weekend. The Rice-LSU series by the way will be available on TV to the nation and on radio in the Houston area on 91.7fm.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Another Wonderful Night at Minute Maid
There is nothing like winning. The game of baseball is fun to watch for millions of people win or lose. But there is nothing like winning. No matter how beautiful and fan friendly Minute Maid Park is for fans the joy of feeling like a part of a winning team effort can't be topped.
On Wednesday night the Astros had to show offense AND pitching to win their fourth in a row. Brian Moehler was OK, but not as strong as in his complete game effort in Pittsburgh. But that turned out to be adequate because the offense showed it could come from behind to still win.
The depth of offensive power on the club is impressive. Hunter Pence was not part of the offense in Tuesdays win. Others, most notably Miguel Tejada took over. It was Hunter's turn on Wednesday. Not only did he go four for five, but his mammoth home run to the railroad track high above left field initiated the comeback and tied the game. Later, the Astros caught a break and scored a run on an error. Then Hunter drove home an insurance run to provide the Astros with a 6-4 win.
We mustn't get too excited when looking at the big picture, of course. The Astros are still five games under .500 and have been playing sub .500 teams themselves. But every win counts when all is done and if a club is going to make a move it must be over the backs of all the teams in the league including the less talented ones.
Wandy Rodriguez is up next. Ironically, the weakest link in the starting staff in his last two starts on the recent road trip. He likes to pitch at home. Perhaps tonight he gets back on track and the Astros can complete a four game sweep of the Rockies. Astros Live Pregame starts the FSHouston telecast at 6:30. I will be visiting with former UT star and now Rockie reliever Houston Street as part of the show. We will talk a bit about the Longhorns as they move into Super Regional play this weekend against TCU. Kevin Eschenfelder will anchor.
The game will be called by Jim Deshaies and Astro radio man Brett Dolan. He gets a turn to fill in for Bill Brown --who will return Friday-- after taking time off for his mother's funeral. Talking with Brownie over the weekend in Pittsburgh it was obvious he was affected by the finality of her death, but he had told everyone she had been suffering for a couple of years. All of us who have dealt with death of parents can certainly relate to Bill's situation.
While Huston Street's Longhorns move into the super regional at home against TCU the Rice Owls have to travel to LSU to meet the Tigers. Rice showed the pitching depth they more often than not are noted for in coming out of the loser bracket to rebound and oust Kansas State. But the Owls are certainly not just pitching this year. Third baseman Anthony Rendon has been named National Freshman Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball. His qualifications for the honor are outstanding. Rendon is hitting .384 with 19 homers and 70 rbis. Those numbers will certainly get a fellow noted!
One final note... Street told me yesterday that he and his dad, the Texas immortal for both football and baseball, James Street, both listened on radio to parts of Austin Wood's amazing 13.1 innings of relief last week which featured 12 no hit innings. Huston admitted it was quite a feat, but he hopes there is no lasting effect on Wood's arm either for the Super Regional or later on. Wood threw an amazing 169 pitches. What may actually have been MORE amazing is that 120 of them were strikes!
On Wednesday night the Astros had to show offense AND pitching to win their fourth in a row. Brian Moehler was OK, but not as strong as in his complete game effort in Pittsburgh. But that turned out to be adequate because the offense showed it could come from behind to still win.
The depth of offensive power on the club is impressive. Hunter Pence was not part of the offense in Tuesdays win. Others, most notably Miguel Tejada took over. It was Hunter's turn on Wednesday. Not only did he go four for five, but his mammoth home run to the railroad track high above left field initiated the comeback and tied the game. Later, the Astros caught a break and scored a run on an error. Then Hunter drove home an insurance run to provide the Astros with a 6-4 win.
We mustn't get too excited when looking at the big picture, of course. The Astros are still five games under .500 and have been playing sub .500 teams themselves. But every win counts when all is done and if a club is going to make a move it must be over the backs of all the teams in the league including the less talented ones.
Wandy Rodriguez is up next. Ironically, the weakest link in the starting staff in his last two starts on the recent road trip. He likes to pitch at home. Perhaps tonight he gets back on track and the Astros can complete a four game sweep of the Rockies. Astros Live Pregame starts the FSHouston telecast at 6:30. I will be visiting with former UT star and now Rockie reliever Houston Street as part of the show. We will talk a bit about the Longhorns as they move into Super Regional play this weekend against TCU. Kevin Eschenfelder will anchor.
The game will be called by Jim Deshaies and Astro radio man Brett Dolan. He gets a turn to fill in for Bill Brown --who will return Friday-- after taking time off for his mother's funeral. Talking with Brownie over the weekend in Pittsburgh it was obvious he was affected by the finality of her death, but he had told everyone she had been suffering for a couple of years. All of us who have dealt with death of parents can certainly relate to Bill's situation.
While Huston Street's Longhorns move into the super regional at home against TCU the Rice Owls have to travel to LSU to meet the Tigers. Rice showed the pitching depth they more often than not are noted for in coming out of the loser bracket to rebound and oust Kansas State. But the Owls are certainly not just pitching this year. Third baseman Anthony Rendon has been named National Freshman Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball. His qualifications for the honor are outstanding. Rendon is hitting .384 with 19 homers and 70 rbis. Those numbers will certainly get a fellow noted!
One final note... Street told me yesterday that he and his dad, the Texas immortal for both football and baseball, James Street, both listened on radio to parts of Austin Wood's amazing 13.1 innings of relief last week which featured 12 no hit innings. Huston admitted it was quite a feat, but he hopes there is no lasting effect on Wood's arm either for the Super Regional or later on. Wood threw an amazing 169 pitches. What may actually have been MORE amazing is that 120 of them were strikes!
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