This is another of those weekends when I am breaking away from the Astros to handle the national telecast of Big 12 Baseball. The Astros are in Atlanta. I am on my way to Stillwater, OK. The Astros will be trying to break a three game losing streak against an Atlanta team that has lost nine in a row. It seems like only yesterday the Astros and Braves were great post season rivals. Now, they are just trying to compete in their divisions.
Everything is cyclical. And that includes the weather. I bring that up because it appears my college game may be facing a weather problem--again. The forecast for Stillwater on Saturday calls for a 40% chance of rain. That is especially troubling since last weekend I made a trip to St. Louis followed by a drive to Columbia, Mo., a drive back to St. Louis (120 miles each way) and finally a flight back to Houston with no game played. Our scheduled Kansas State at Missouri game was washed away.
I've been doing college baseball games on this and preceding networks for more than 25 years. We have lost a game or two during that time. But we have never lost two in one season. That is a definite prospect this week.
In the early days the games involved Southwest Conference teams. So, unless the game was at Texas Tech or Arkansas it was possible to drive to and from. Having a game rained out was not so bad. However, flying to Missouri or even Oklahoma when there are no return flights until early Sunday morning makes for a long weekend with no game.
While away from the Astros I still keep tabs. Thanks to the wonders of MLB.com or Foxsports.com or CBSsportsline.com I can follow the play by play and update my score book from my hotel. Some things don't translate, however.
Last week when Lance Berkman's line smash richoceted off the skull of Pirate pitcher Jakubauskas there was no reference to it. The play by play just said, "Berkman singled up the middle." Then there was a long pause and a line, "Delay due to injury."
Naturally since Lance was involved and he had his knee problem I feared the worst. Only after the line showed up, "New pitcher for Pittsburgh" did I have an inkling the injury involved Jakubauskas. Thanks to Alyson Footer's Twitter update, however, I was able to find out what really happened.
Just think--even with it's lack of explanation-- the internet allows anyone to follow a game from anywhere in the world. And if you know the right Twitter connections-- get further detail, too. I like to think I provide the same through Twitter when I am on hand. I will be for about 150 of the Astros 162 games this year. Just not when I have a college baseball conflict--or am somewhere watching my game be rained out!
Oh, by the way, thanks to all who were part of our weekly Live Chat last Wednesday. It was the smoothest of the four or five we have conducted. Good baseball and good Astro fans out there. We will be back on with Live Chat next Wednesday. In the meantime or anytime don't forget the availability of email. You can find the address and/or one click access on the website http://foxsportshouston.com I check and respond to all of them. JD, Brownie and our primary producer, Wave Robinson, also keep tabs, too.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Go Ahead and Get Excited
There is no way to know exactly how long the Astros current hot streak (and winning eight of the last ten IS a hot streak) will last. At some point the bats will cool again and the starting pitchers will have some struggles. That happens to every single team in baseball more than once during a season.
At the same time no one should worry about the inevitable until it becomes a problem. Right now just be happy for the home town team. If nothing else they have shown they CAN do the job. How often they can do it will determine their eventual fate in the National League pennant race.
Over baseball history there have been plenty of surprise division or pennant--or even World Series winners. The Astros would be one of those it it happened. The odds remain against it, but no odds are 100 per cent. In the meantime let us just look at what the club has now.
The starting pitching has been "pennant winnable". An earned run average of just 3.00 for starters over the last two trips through the rotation shows that. Roy Oswalt appears ready to return to the upper levels in the league once again--providing his balky back-hip problem doesn't re occur.
Wandy Rodriguez has again been steady. Brett Myers had given up a ton of hits, but has been stingy with the runs. Bud Norris has looked to be a dependable starter. Felipe Paulino has been the least effective for whole starts, but has had some very strong periods of performance as well.
That rotation is good enough to win a post season spot based on what we have seen so far.
The offense isn't good enough based on what we have seen so far. Of course, over the recent hot streak it has been much better. Facing weaker starting pitching or coming around which is it?
That it is a combination of the two may be most likely. Lance Berkman is back. He has not been tearing the cover off the ball, but at the same time, is likely getting his batting stroke together much quicker than some might have expected. After all he barely played in spring training and started this season two weeks late.
Carlos Lee has been playing harder than many have even recognized it seems. I still get emails and comments from fans about lack of hustle. Carlos has been guilty of that in the past. But during this period of low offensive output he has been running out every ball...hustling after everything of defense and even running wild on the bases. Sometimes the latter has not worked out. On Sunday, though, his stretching an easy double into a triple resulted in a bad throw and gave him a free trot the final 90 feet for what has been known as a "Little League Home Run."
Oh, and if you also have noticed Lee is starting to hit.
The team has stronger defense-at least in field coverage- from the recent past. There are still a few too many errors being committed at shortstop, in the outfield and behind the plate. Most have not cost runs, but a few have. That has to be tightened.
The most important factor with the Astros may be the managerial and coaching staff. Brad Mills may have been the second choice for the job, but it certainly appears he was the right choice and should have been number one all along. He and his staff know how to work with players, communicate and get their points across. The players to a man have been very receptive. It showed during the 0-8 start and it shows during this 8-2 run.
Pennants? Post season? World Series? All those thoughts are way too premature and frankly most likely pipe dreams. There are still the Cardinals, Phillies, Giants, Dodgers and others to deal with. Just be assured the Astros won't be anyone's joke or failure in 2010. They may not win the bigger prizes, but it won't be for lack of effort.
At the same time no one should worry about the inevitable until it becomes a problem. Right now just be happy for the home town team. If nothing else they have shown they CAN do the job. How often they can do it will determine their eventual fate in the National League pennant race.
Over baseball history there have been plenty of surprise division or pennant--or even World Series winners. The Astros would be one of those it it happened. The odds remain against it, but no odds are 100 per cent. In the meantime let us just look at what the club has now.
The starting pitching has been "pennant winnable". An earned run average of just 3.00 for starters over the last two trips through the rotation shows that. Roy Oswalt appears ready to return to the upper levels in the league once again--providing his balky back-hip problem doesn't re occur.
Wandy Rodriguez has again been steady. Brett Myers had given up a ton of hits, but has been stingy with the runs. Bud Norris has looked to be a dependable starter. Felipe Paulino has been the least effective for whole starts, but has had some very strong periods of performance as well.
That rotation is good enough to win a post season spot based on what we have seen so far.
The offense isn't good enough based on what we have seen so far. Of course, over the recent hot streak it has been much better. Facing weaker starting pitching or coming around which is it?
That it is a combination of the two may be most likely. Lance Berkman is back. He has not been tearing the cover off the ball, but at the same time, is likely getting his batting stroke together much quicker than some might have expected. After all he barely played in spring training and started this season two weeks late.
Carlos Lee has been playing harder than many have even recognized it seems. I still get emails and comments from fans about lack of hustle. Carlos has been guilty of that in the past. But during this period of low offensive output he has been running out every ball...hustling after everything of defense and even running wild on the bases. Sometimes the latter has not worked out. On Sunday, though, his stretching an easy double into a triple resulted in a bad throw and gave him a free trot the final 90 feet for what has been known as a "Little League Home Run."
Oh, and if you also have noticed Lee is starting to hit.
The team has stronger defense-at least in field coverage- from the recent past. There are still a few too many errors being committed at shortstop, in the outfield and behind the plate. Most have not cost runs, but a few have. That has to be tightened.
The most important factor with the Astros may be the managerial and coaching staff. Brad Mills may have been the second choice for the job, but it certainly appears he was the right choice and should have been number one all along. He and his staff know how to work with players, communicate and get their points across. The players to a man have been very receptive. It showed during the 0-8 start and it shows during this 8-2 run.
Pennants? Post season? World Series? All those thoughts are way too premature and frankly most likely pipe dreams. There are still the Cardinals, Phillies, Giants, Dodgers and others to deal with. Just be assured the Astros won't be anyone's joke or failure in 2010. They may not win the bigger prizes, but it won't be for lack of effort.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Rain in Missouri
I am following the Astros on the computer from St. Louis. Why? Look to the sky in Missouri.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
All Ranges of Emotion Wednesday Night
The Astros won their fourth game in a row and fifth of the last six on Wednesday night. For the second night in a row a rally allowed them to overcome a lead by the Florida Marlins providing the win.
There were a number of stars on the field and fans were very happy with the result.
But I have some strong things to say about some Astros "fans." It is not complimentary.
Wednesday was our third game to use "Live Chat" through our http://foxsportshouston.com web site. We started bringing it in to allow fans a direct conduit to at least one of the telecasters (me) and to offer opinions, ask questions and essentially be part of our telecast.
The vast majority of those who take part do a great job. They provide just what we had hoped.
But then there is that small minority. It is the societal fringe that exists in any public forum that thinks it is funny to use their keyboard to demonstrate poor taste, spew obscenities, pornography and last night racism.
Because there have always been people like that radio stations have had to use delays on all talk shows. Responsible web sites must use moderators to screen all forum contributors and Fox Sports Houston uses a screener to keep the filth and personal attacks off the site. They don't ever make the chat line.
Last night my screener was an intern..a young black male graduate of Texas Southern. He was sitting right next to me in the press box. A shot of our location made the telecast. And then the racists came out.
He had to read some of the worst attacks and... I won't stoop to using an obscenity here myself--but you know what I mean. I felt awful. I also felt ashamed that Astros baseball has people like that who are watching.
They knew who was screening the submissions. They knew he would see them. What kind of people do we have in Houston? This isn't urging people to be politically correct. This is imploring people to be civilized. (I know this isn't just Houston, it can happen anywhere, but Houston is what I am concerned with and I don't like it at all.)
I suspect that in some ways those writers bothered me more than they did our intern (who I am intentionally not naming). After all he has had to live his life dealing with racism. I have not. Maybe it doesn't bother him any more than the sexually obscene submissions using my name do me. I ignore them and move on. Still, there is no place for either in what is supposed to be a public forum.
Sad to say the forum can never be fully public as long as we have people like that who try to spoil things for the good fans.
There were a number of stars on the field and fans were very happy with the result.
But I have some strong things to say about some Astros "fans." It is not complimentary.
Wednesday was our third game to use "Live Chat" through our http://foxsportshouston.com web site. We started bringing it in to allow fans a direct conduit to at least one of the telecasters (me) and to offer opinions, ask questions and essentially be part of our telecast.
The vast majority of those who take part do a great job. They provide just what we had hoped.
But then there is that small minority. It is the societal fringe that exists in any public forum that thinks it is funny to use their keyboard to demonstrate poor taste, spew obscenities, pornography and last night racism.
Because there have always been people like that radio stations have had to use delays on all talk shows. Responsible web sites must use moderators to screen all forum contributors and Fox Sports Houston uses a screener to keep the filth and personal attacks off the site. They don't ever make the chat line.
Last night my screener was an intern..a young black male graduate of Texas Southern. He was sitting right next to me in the press box. A shot of our location made the telecast. And then the racists came out.
He had to read some of the worst attacks and... I won't stoop to using an obscenity here myself--but you know what I mean. I felt awful. I also felt ashamed that Astros baseball has people like that who are watching.
They knew who was screening the submissions. They knew he would see them. What kind of people do we have in Houston? This isn't urging people to be politically correct. This is imploring people to be civilized. (I know this isn't just Houston, it can happen anywhere, but Houston is what I am concerned with and I don't like it at all.)
I suspect that in some ways those writers bothered me more than they did our intern (who I am intentionally not naming). After all he has had to live his life dealing with racism. I have not. Maybe it doesn't bother him any more than the sexually obscene submissions using my name do me. I ignore them and move on. Still, there is no place for either in what is supposed to be a public forum.
Sad to say the forum can never be fully public as long as we have people like that who try to spoil things for the good fans.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Astros May Be Coming Around
I am confident the Astros will start playing much better from now on. Oh, there will be some ups and downs, but the rollercoaster will level off.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
There is Magic at the Ballpark
I have been around sports for a long time. I have attended, covered or done play by play for many different sports from high school to the major leagues in baseball and basketball.
But there is NOTHING like a major league ballpark. I can remember the first game I ever attended. I was nine years old and my grandfather took me to old Crosley Field in Cincinnati to see the Reds take on the Milwaukee Braves. I don't remember much about the game, except seeing Ted Kluszewski and his cut off sleeves which bared his overly large arms. He became my favorite player that day. That is all I remember from the game. But I will never forget arriving at Crosley Field that day and seeing the double decks stands with the huge light towers reaching toward the sky. And I will never forget walking into the ballpark and seeing the grass and the dirt and the white lines. It was the greatest thing I had ever seen.
Now, many years later I still get that same thrill. I have been fortunate to see all the ballparks in the major leagues and some that aren't around anymore. But the excitement of approaching the gates and seeing that field for the first time has never changed.
Football stadiums, basketball and hockey arenas don't do it for me. Maybe it is because they are all the same once you enter. All football fields are 100 yards long. All basketball courts and hockey rinks are the same other than individual surrounding advertising. Baseball has always been special.
Maybe the appeal is also because baseball is a summer game when the weather in most parts of the country is the best it will be all year. (Certainly, that can be disputed in Miami, Houston, Arlington, Phoenix and Atlanta, but at least Houston and Phoenix have air conditioned stadiums with retractable roofs.)
When I was a kid the result of the game didn't matter for my enjoyment. Now, for a lot of reasons it seems many fans can't enjoy a game be it baseball or any other sport if they don't think their team can win. Not just win the game they may attend, but win the title, pennant or championship.
I don't know when that changed. Certainly it is not good for any sport. Everyone cannot win no matter what moves management makes. So, instead of worrying because your team--whoever it may be--may not win a pennant or championship-- just enjoy the sport.
If you never felt the magic I felt as a kid when baseball captured your heart I feel sorry for you. You have missed out on a lot of fun. It's not too late though. Tickets are available at Astros games this season. The club also has a number of special ticket plans making it much more affordable for families and groups.
Even if football is the only sport you care about, you may be surprised at how much fun a night at the ballpark can be, especially with friends. You can watch as closely or as loosely as you want and have time to chat with those friends. Hopefully you will have fun whether the Astros win or not. I still do.
But there is NOTHING like a major league ballpark. I can remember the first game I ever attended. I was nine years old and my grandfather took me to old Crosley Field in Cincinnati to see the Reds take on the Milwaukee Braves. I don't remember much about the game, except seeing Ted Kluszewski and his cut off sleeves which bared his overly large arms. He became my favorite player that day. That is all I remember from the game. But I will never forget arriving at Crosley Field that day and seeing the double decks stands with the huge light towers reaching toward the sky. And I will never forget walking into the ballpark and seeing the grass and the dirt and the white lines. It was the greatest thing I had ever seen.
Now, many years later I still get that same thrill. I have been fortunate to see all the ballparks in the major leagues and some that aren't around anymore. But the excitement of approaching the gates and seeing that field for the first time has never changed.
Football stadiums, basketball and hockey arenas don't do it for me. Maybe it is because they are all the same once you enter. All football fields are 100 yards long. All basketball courts and hockey rinks are the same other than individual surrounding advertising. Baseball has always been special.
Maybe the appeal is also because baseball is a summer game when the weather in most parts of the country is the best it will be all year. (Certainly, that can be disputed in Miami, Houston, Arlington, Phoenix and Atlanta, but at least Houston and Phoenix have air conditioned stadiums with retractable roofs.)
When I was a kid the result of the game didn't matter for my enjoyment. Now, for a lot of reasons it seems many fans can't enjoy a game be it baseball or any other sport if they don't think their team can win. Not just win the game they may attend, but win the title, pennant or championship.
I don't know when that changed. Certainly it is not good for any sport. Everyone cannot win no matter what moves management makes. So, instead of worrying because your team--whoever it may be--may not win a pennant or championship-- just enjoy the sport.
If you never felt the magic I felt as a kid when baseball captured your heart I feel sorry for you. You have missed out on a lot of fun. It's not too late though. Tickets are available at Astros games this season. The club also has a number of special ticket plans making it much more affordable for families and groups.
Even if football is the only sport you care about, you may be surprised at how much fun a night at the ballpark can be, especially with friends. You can watch as closely or as loosely as you want and have time to chat with those friends. Hopefully you will have fun whether the Astros win or not. I still do.
Monday, April 19, 2010
It Will Be a Major Upset if Horns Don't Win Title
I don't want to put any pressure on the team and coaches above and beyond what coaching at Texas brings by itself, but I think there is every reason to believe the Longhorns will win another NCAA baseball title this year.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Horns Rolling.. Astros, too?
I had to leave the Astros in Chicago after Friday's game to make it back for the Saturday Big 12 telecast of the Texas Longhorns at Texas A&M Aggies.
Although I was not in Chicago for Roy Oswalt's seven shutout innings and the Astros 4-3 win over the Cubs I was impressed by just about everything that happened. (I watched a DVR of the game later.) Certainly, the relief effort by Brandon Lyon was weak, but give him some time and work and he should hit his normal form. The only other troubling note was another error by Tommy Manzella at shortstop on a routine play. The timing was also of concern since it came in the ninth inning while the Astros had just a one run lead.
But everthing turned out OK...and a win is a win. That is also two wins in the last three games. Is the tide starting to turn? We'll be getting a better idea after the Sunday Chicago finale when Wandy Rodriguez has a chance to show he is ready to regain his 2009 form.
LONGHORNS LOOK READY ALREADY
Meanwhile the Texas Longhorns absolutely rolled over Texas A&M Saturday 14-0. The big story, though, was the zero on the Aggie side. They also only had one hit...a bloop single by Matt Juengel in the third. Cole Green pitched a complete game shutout allowing only that one hit with three walks and four strikeouts. Green isn't even the Longhorn's #1 starter, although his 8-0 record and earned run average of only about 2.00. The Texas team ERA is UNDER 2.50. That is frankly astounding. It is also why the Longhorns who came one win from winning another NCAA title last summer may very well find that extra win this year.
Texas has enough hitting and is very fundamentally sound. What would you expect from a team guided by five time NCAA champion coach Augie Garrido? Shortstop Brandon Loy is big time with the glove. He had eight assists and two putouts on Saturday. Each one looked easy. He is that smooth and good.
And I can't leave off the big bopper, right fielder Kevin Keyes. Big enough to play linebacker for the football team at 6'4 250 pounds, Keyes hit two towering home runs and drove in four runs in the game. Catcher Cameron Rupp, a sure high draft pick, chipped in three singles.
Obviously, a 14-0 game is not a telecaster's dream. But the superb pitching of Green and the outstanding defense and offensive show by Texas was impressive.
Strangely it may seem, with the final score what it was, there was an Aggie player that opened some eyes. Starting pitcher Michael Wacha did not have impressive numbers at all. He pitched five and a third innings giving up eleven hits and six earned runs. But he struck out seven and walked only one. He has all the pitches needed to be a good one. He just needs more consistent command in the strike zone. Michael is only a freshman and had entered the game with a 3-1 record and 1.53 earned run average. Foes were only hitting .180 against him. All those numbers were skewed after his loss on Saturday. But he was tangling with the Texas Longhorns. They might be the best darn team in the whole country.
Although I was not in Chicago for Roy Oswalt's seven shutout innings and the Astros 4-3 win over the Cubs I was impressed by just about everything that happened. (I watched a DVR of the game later.) Certainly, the relief effort by Brandon Lyon was weak, but give him some time and work and he should hit his normal form. The only other troubling note was another error by Tommy Manzella at shortstop on a routine play. The timing was also of concern since it came in the ninth inning while the Astros had just a one run lead.
But everthing turned out OK...and a win is a win. That is also two wins in the last three games. Is the tide starting to turn? We'll be getting a better idea after the Sunday Chicago finale when Wandy Rodriguez has a chance to show he is ready to regain his 2009 form.
LONGHORNS LOOK READY ALREADY
Meanwhile the Texas Longhorns absolutely rolled over Texas A&M Saturday 14-0. The big story, though, was the zero on the Aggie side. They also only had one hit...a bloop single by Matt Juengel in the third. Cole Green pitched a complete game shutout allowing only that one hit with three walks and four strikeouts. Green isn't even the Longhorn's #1 starter, although his 8-0 record and earned run average of only about 2.00. The Texas team ERA is UNDER 2.50. That is frankly astounding. It is also why the Longhorns who came one win from winning another NCAA title last summer may very well find that extra win this year.
Texas has enough hitting and is very fundamentally sound. What would you expect from a team guided by five time NCAA champion coach Augie Garrido? Shortstop Brandon Loy is big time with the glove. He had eight assists and two putouts on Saturday. Each one looked easy. He is that smooth and good.
And I can't leave off the big bopper, right fielder Kevin Keyes. Big enough to play linebacker for the football team at 6'4 250 pounds, Keyes hit two towering home runs and drove in four runs in the game. Catcher Cameron Rupp, a sure high draft pick, chipped in three singles.
Obviously, a 14-0 game is not a telecaster's dream. But the superb pitching of Green and the outstanding defense and offensive show by Texas was impressive.
Strangely it may seem, with the final score what it was, there was an Aggie player that opened some eyes. Starting pitcher Michael Wacha did not have impressive numbers at all. He pitched five and a third innings giving up eleven hits and six earned runs. But he struck out seven and walked only one. He has all the pitches needed to be a good one. He just needs more consistent command in the strike zone. Michael is only a freshman and had entered the game with a 3-1 record and 1.53 earned run average. Foes were only hitting .180 against him. All those numbers were skewed after his loss on Saturday. But he was tangling with the Texas Longhorns. They might be the best darn team in the whole country.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Warning!! Second Guessing Ahead!
The Astros winning streak ended at one when the Cubs exploded for six runs in the 7th inning at Wrigley Field on Friday.
The only problem was it didn't need to happen. Second guess #1 comes with Felipe Paulino staying in the game as long as he did. His pitch count was low enough (86) to allow him to start the 7th. However, he had shown some wear and tear in the sixth when he started to lose the command he had shown up to that point.
When the lead off man doubled and put the tying run at second base that is when I would have make a change. Now, you ask, who would I have brought in? There is the problem. The pitcher I would have preferred would have been Chris Sampson, but since he worked two innings the night before that eliminated him. So how about Brandon Lyon? He only worked an inning on Thursday and has been working in tight spots as a sometime closer. If Lyon isn't going be the ninth inning closer right now, how about being the "game on the line closer" who could be used in situations like this? Too radical an idea? For some reason Manager Brad Mills elected to keep Paulino in the game until he had given up back to back doubles and back to back walks. That was too long.
Second guess #2 is not on the manager, but on the first baseman. After reliever Tim Byrdak got his first hitter on a short fly ball and with the Astros now a ground ball double play away from getting out of trouble, Ryan Theriot surprised with a bunt. The ball started in on the grass and looked good, but spin started taking it toward the first base line. Once it hit the dirt it most certainly was headed foul. That is when first baseman Pedro Feliz scooped in...tried to grab the ball and tag Theriot at the same time. He missed on both. The tie breaking run scored and Theriot was safe at first.
Now, no one knows what Theriot would have done in the at bat had the ball been allowed to go foul. But we do know trying to make the play was the wrong one. The next hitter after Theriot hit a sacrifice fly that scored a run anyway, but if Theriot had been retired it would have been the third out. The Astros would have been behind by only one run...not the five that would be the case after the inning was over.
Oh yes, one more second guess...#3. Same inning as it turned out. With runners at first and second, a sacrifice bunt was called for with Koyie Hill at the plate. On an early pitch Humberto Quintero had Alfonso Soriano picked off at second, but Soriano seeing the throw coming, elected to go to third where he beat the relay from Tommy Manzella. That should have been an out..the first out of the inning. The Cubs would have had a runner on first with the game tied and one out. Instead, Soriano was safe at third, Mike Fontenot still at first after a walk. Then Hill, who no longer needed to bunt became Paulino's second walk in a row. At that point Byrdak came in.
So you see, when you look at the final score of 7-2 that does not tell the story at all. The Astros could have won this one. Even with a still anemic offense maybe they SHOULD have won this one.
Hopefully without me around to second guess (I am writing from Chicago's O'Hare Airport Friday night since I am coming back to the Houston area to handle the play by play of the Longhorns and Aggies Saturday night) the Astros will win a pair in Chicago and come home with their first series win. Even without the offense they need they are capable. They just can't give away outs...or make poor decisions regarding when to make pitching changes. I have hope...and my fingers crossed.
The only problem was it didn't need to happen. Second guess #1 comes with Felipe Paulino staying in the game as long as he did. His pitch count was low enough (86) to allow him to start the 7th. However, he had shown some wear and tear in the sixth when he started to lose the command he had shown up to that point.
When the lead off man doubled and put the tying run at second base that is when I would have make a change. Now, you ask, who would I have brought in? There is the problem. The pitcher I would have preferred would have been Chris Sampson, but since he worked two innings the night before that eliminated him. So how about Brandon Lyon? He only worked an inning on Thursday and has been working in tight spots as a sometime closer. If Lyon isn't going be the ninth inning closer right now, how about being the "game on the line closer" who could be used in situations like this? Too radical an idea? For some reason Manager Brad Mills elected to keep Paulino in the game until he had given up back to back doubles and back to back walks. That was too long.
Second guess #2 is not on the manager, but on the first baseman. After reliever Tim Byrdak got his first hitter on a short fly ball and with the Astros now a ground ball double play away from getting out of trouble, Ryan Theriot surprised with a bunt. The ball started in on the grass and looked good, but spin started taking it toward the first base line. Once it hit the dirt it most certainly was headed foul. That is when first baseman Pedro Feliz scooped in...tried to grab the ball and tag Theriot at the same time. He missed on both. The tie breaking run scored and Theriot was safe at first.
Now, no one knows what Theriot would have done in the at bat had the ball been allowed to go foul. But we do know trying to make the play was the wrong one. The next hitter after Theriot hit a sacrifice fly that scored a run anyway, but if Theriot had been retired it would have been the third out. The Astros would have been behind by only one run...not the five that would be the case after the inning was over.
Oh yes, one more second guess...#3. Same inning as it turned out. With runners at first and second, a sacrifice bunt was called for with Koyie Hill at the plate. On an early pitch Humberto Quintero had Alfonso Soriano picked off at second, but Soriano seeing the throw coming, elected to go to third where he beat the relay from Tommy Manzella. That should have been an out..the first out of the inning. The Cubs would have had a runner on first with the game tied and one out. Instead, Soriano was safe at third, Mike Fontenot still at first after a walk. Then Hill, who no longer needed to bunt became Paulino's second walk in a row. At that point Byrdak came in.
So you see, when you look at the final score of 7-2 that does not tell the story at all. The Astros could have won this one. Even with a still anemic offense maybe they SHOULD have won this one.
Hopefully without me around to second guess (I am writing from Chicago's O'Hare Airport Friday night since I am coming back to the Houston area to handle the play by play of the Longhorns and Aggies Saturday night) the Astros will win a pair in Chicago and come home with their first series win. Even without the offense they need they are capable. They just can't give away outs...or make poor decisions regarding when to make pitching changes. I have hope...and my fingers crossed.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hey, I Knew they could Win One!
It was almost like the first eight games had never happened. The Astros won their first game of the season and made it look easy. All it took was outstanding starting pitching, a stout and totally effective bullpen and a few timely hits. Nothing to it.
The result was not only a first win of the season, but a victory over the Cardinals which knocked a game off their NL Central lead. Now, to start making up the next five games.
To be honest the turnaround may have started Wednesday night when the Astros lost a 2-1 game to the Cards in which pitching dominated both teams. Brett Myers work was even more impressive than that of Brad Penny for one major reason. Myers was working against a Cardinal lineup that had been doing the job. Penny was working against an Astro lineup still bereft of Lance Berkman and with Hunter Pence and Carlo Lee still slumping.
Actually, it is worse than slumping. Both are almost on life support. Lee is hitting LESS than .100 and Pence is only a few ticks higher. Throw in Kazuo Matsui who had been hitting a lot of easy ground balls to the first baseman with few hits and you see why Penny had it easier.
In fact, after Bud Norris went one for two in Thursdays game the Astro pitching staff was 5-15 .333 after nine games. Those five hits the pitcher's collected were more than Lee, Pence, J.R. Towles or Matsui and the same total for Geoff Blum and Tommy Manzella.
Its a good thing the NL doesn't have the DH. The Astros don't need another "hitter" in the lineup!
NORRIS WAS SUPERB
Still, even after the great job by Myers, including a big time job of pitching out of a jam in the seventh, caused in large part by a Manzella error, it was in Thursday's game when the tide may have turned. Bud Norris, coming off a horrid first start in which he couldn't even finish three innings continued his mastery over the potent Cardinals. It started last year and has not changed. Striking out Albert Pujols his first two at bats shows what I mean. In fact, Norris set a new personal major league high with nine K's on Thursday. He gave up no earned runs. A Carlos Lee muffed flyball allowed an inning to continue that resulted in the lone St. Louis tally.
If there was a downside for Bud it was that he could only go five innings with his pitch count rising to 106. Then entered Chris Sampson. He threw two perfect innings and was followed by Brandon Lyon in the 8th and Matt Lindstrom in the 9th. That is the way the Astros want to be able to close things and it worked like a charm.
OFFENSE STILL NEEDY
While the Astros didn't exactly blast the ball again they did have some clutch hitting. Norris himself drove in the first run in the third inning and then Jeff Keppinger gave the Astros their first two run lead in any game this season with a double later in the same inning. Though the Cards closed the gap with that unearned run in the 4th that was it for St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Keppinger came through again with a two out two run single in the top of the 8th to give the Astros a cushion. Pedro Feliz singled home Kep to make it the final 5-1 margin.
KEPPINGER NEEDS TO PLAY
Keppinger played shortstop on Thursday,but he could wind up seeing a lot of duty at second base if Matsui doesn't get untracked. Kaz entered the game at just .118 and was 0-4, not hitting the ball hard at all. Keppinger is hitting right around .400 now and until the big dogs start to bark the Astros need as many effective bats in the lineup as possible. Michael Bourn, Keppinger and Feliz ARE hitting. Chris Johnson in limited play is just a bit under .300.
BERKMAN TO REHAB
How long Chris sticks around may be determined by Lance Berkman's condition. Lance is scheduled for a couple rehab games with Round Rock over the weekend with an eye toward joining the Astros next Tuesday. If he is deemed ready then Johnson is likely the odd man out. But even if that is so he opened some eyes. He is a much better and disciplined hitter than a year ago. He needs to play every day even if it means doing it in the minor leagues. If he goes, he WILL be back.
CUBS THIS WEEKEND
If the Astros can play off their win over the Cards going into Chicago and take a couple they will still be under .500, but everyone will have to start feeling better about this team. Remember if the pitching is good the hitters don't have to be as good. They have to be better than they have so far, but they will be.
The result was not only a first win of the season, but a victory over the Cardinals which knocked a game off their NL Central lead. Now, to start making up the next five games.
To be honest the turnaround may have started Wednesday night when the Astros lost a 2-1 game to the Cards in which pitching dominated both teams. Brett Myers work was even more impressive than that of Brad Penny for one major reason. Myers was working against a Cardinal lineup that had been doing the job. Penny was working against an Astro lineup still bereft of Lance Berkman and with Hunter Pence and Carlo Lee still slumping.
Actually, it is worse than slumping. Both are almost on life support. Lee is hitting LESS than .100 and Pence is only a few ticks higher. Throw in Kazuo Matsui who had been hitting a lot of easy ground balls to the first baseman with few hits and you see why Penny had it easier.
In fact, after Bud Norris went one for two in Thursdays game the Astro pitching staff was 5-15 .333 after nine games. Those five hits the pitcher's collected were more than Lee, Pence, J.R. Towles or Matsui and the same total for Geoff Blum and Tommy Manzella.
Its a good thing the NL doesn't have the DH. The Astros don't need another "hitter" in the lineup!
NORRIS WAS SUPERB
Still, even after the great job by Myers, including a big time job of pitching out of a jam in the seventh, caused in large part by a Manzella error, it was in Thursday's game when the tide may have turned. Bud Norris, coming off a horrid first start in which he couldn't even finish three innings continued his mastery over the potent Cardinals. It started last year and has not changed. Striking out Albert Pujols his first two at bats shows what I mean. In fact, Norris set a new personal major league high with nine K's on Thursday. He gave up no earned runs. A Carlos Lee muffed flyball allowed an inning to continue that resulted in the lone St. Louis tally.
If there was a downside for Bud it was that he could only go five innings with his pitch count rising to 106. Then entered Chris Sampson. He threw two perfect innings and was followed by Brandon Lyon in the 8th and Matt Lindstrom in the 9th. That is the way the Astros want to be able to close things and it worked like a charm.
OFFENSE STILL NEEDY
While the Astros didn't exactly blast the ball again they did have some clutch hitting. Norris himself drove in the first run in the third inning and then Jeff Keppinger gave the Astros their first two run lead in any game this season with a double later in the same inning. Though the Cards closed the gap with that unearned run in the 4th that was it for St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Keppinger came through again with a two out two run single in the top of the 8th to give the Astros a cushion. Pedro Feliz singled home Kep to make it the final 5-1 margin.
KEPPINGER NEEDS TO PLAY
Keppinger played shortstop on Thursday,but he could wind up seeing a lot of duty at second base if Matsui doesn't get untracked. Kaz entered the game at just .118 and was 0-4, not hitting the ball hard at all. Keppinger is hitting right around .400 now and until the big dogs start to bark the Astros need as many effective bats in the lineup as possible. Michael Bourn, Keppinger and Feliz ARE hitting. Chris Johnson in limited play is just a bit under .300.
BERKMAN TO REHAB
How long Chris sticks around may be determined by Lance Berkman's condition. Lance is scheduled for a couple rehab games with Round Rock over the weekend with an eye toward joining the Astros next Tuesday. If he is deemed ready then Johnson is likely the odd man out. But even if that is so he opened some eyes. He is a much better and disciplined hitter than a year ago. He needs to play every day even if it means doing it in the minor leagues. If he goes, he WILL be back.
CUBS THIS WEEKEND
If the Astros can play off their win over the Cards going into Chicago and take a couple they will still be under .500, but everyone will have to start feeling better about this team. Remember if the pitching is good the hitters don't have to be as good. They have to be better than they have so far, but they will be.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Most Exhausting Game of my Career
And I didn't even play! It was the first time we had tried Live Chat with only me running it. When we debuted with it on Astros baseball our Fox Sports Houston Media King, Ray Fisher, was at my side screening (or moderating) the activity.
Last night since the Astros were on the road I tried to moderate, answer and still pay attention to the game. That was a real chore. Staying ahead of the vast number of chats was nearly impossible. The message board was running behind for quite some time. Every time I took a moment to make a comment on the air...or even to write an answer to one of those asking a question, dozens more pieces came in and I would be even further behind.
Fortunately, and right now I assume it was Ray back in Houston, the cavalry was called in and things were much smoother down the stretch.
I like the concept of being able to bring the fans almost into the game. BUT, as is the case almost everywhere it seems there are some who think it is funny to be profane, disrespectful, off color and rude.
Those were the folks whose contributions never made the site. Of course, screening them out also took time and put the legitimate contributors ideas further behind.
I also tried to avoid carrying repetitive questions to the site. No one wants to see the 10th question asking when Lance Berkman will be able to play.
Some of you who may have been "screened out" may have had legitimate thoughts. If you
never made the site I apologize.
But for those of you who do no how to act in public--and a public forum is just that, I have no sympathy. You comments are not funny and won't be seen. So why not forget about taking part. You will be doing everyone a service. Let's leave our Live Chat to the real Astro and baseball fans!
Last night since the Astros were on the road I tried to moderate, answer and still pay attention to the game. That was a real chore. Staying ahead of the vast number of chats was nearly impossible. The message board was running behind for quite some time. Every time I took a moment to make a comment on the air...or even to write an answer to one of those asking a question, dozens more pieces came in and I would be even further behind.
Fortunately, and right now I assume it was Ray back in Houston, the cavalry was called in and things were much smoother down the stretch.
I like the concept of being able to bring the fans almost into the game. BUT, as is the case almost everywhere it seems there are some who think it is funny to be profane, disrespectful, off color and rude.
Those were the folks whose contributions never made the site. Of course, screening them out also took time and put the legitimate contributors ideas further behind.
I also tried to avoid carrying repetitive questions to the site. No one wants to see the 10th question asking when Lance Berkman will be able to play.
Some of you who may have been "screened out" may have had legitimate thoughts. If you
never made the site I apologize.
But for those of you who do no how to act in public--and a public forum is just that, I have no sympathy. You comments are not funny and won't be seen. So why not forget about taking part. You will be doing everyone a service. Let's leave our Live Chat to the real Astro and baseball fans!
Teams Have Done Worse--and Won
While Astro fans are feeling pretty miserable right now, with their favorite team not able to win a game yet there can be some hope. Teams have had longer losing streaks than seven and still won pennants and World Series.
No, no one has lost the FIRST seven or more and taken home a title, but losing seven? That is no big thing.
In fact the 1951 New York Giants lost eleven straight at one point midway through a season in which they would win the National League title. Of course, had they not lost all those games the need for Bobby Thomson's famous home run off Ralph Branca would have unnecessary. There would have been no playoff.
In 1953 the cross river New York Yankees had a nine game losing streak in the midst of a season in which they would not only win the AL title, but also the World Series.
Four other teams suffered seven game losing streaks during a season--the same length of the Astros current situation-- and went on to win World Series crowns.
The first was the 1914 Boston Braves. They were called the Miracle Braves. It was fitting. Not only did they have to overcome that losing streak, but they had to streak themselves--in a winning direction to take the NL flag.
In 1933 the New York Giants wound up with a World Championship despite an in season minus seven stretch. The same went for the 1983 Baltimore Orioles and the 1990 Cincinnati Reds.
None of what I am pointing out here should be equated with a belief the 2010 Astros will win the World Series. What I am saying is that losing streaks, no matter when they occur during a season, can be overcome. This Astro team is certainly not close to being as bad as they have looked so far. Once players like Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence revert to the form they have established as their norm the worm will start to turn. The addition of Lance Berkman to the lineup--whenever that may be--will do nothing but improve the club's chances of scoring enough runs to pull out some wins.
There will still be a lot of fun baseball this season. Will it mean a pennant? Odds say no. But the odds may have said the same to some of those other clubs who had to undergo similar nightmares in the past.
No, no one has lost the FIRST seven or more and taken home a title, but losing seven? That is no big thing.
In fact the 1951 New York Giants lost eleven straight at one point midway through a season in which they would win the National League title. Of course, had they not lost all those games the need for Bobby Thomson's famous home run off Ralph Branca would have unnecessary. There would have been no playoff.
In 1953 the cross river New York Yankees had a nine game losing streak in the midst of a season in which they would not only win the AL title, but also the World Series.
Four other teams suffered seven game losing streaks during a season--the same length of the Astros current situation-- and went on to win World Series crowns.
The first was the 1914 Boston Braves. They were called the Miracle Braves. It was fitting. Not only did they have to overcome that losing streak, but they had to streak themselves--in a winning direction to take the NL flag.
In 1933 the New York Giants wound up with a World Championship despite an in season minus seven stretch. The same went for the 1983 Baltimore Orioles and the 1990 Cincinnati Reds.
None of what I am pointing out here should be equated with a belief the 2010 Astros will win the World Series. What I am saying is that losing streaks, no matter when they occur during a season, can be overcome. This Astro team is certainly not close to being as bad as they have looked so far. Once players like Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence revert to the form they have established as their norm the worm will start to turn. The addition of Lance Berkman to the lineup--whenever that may be--will do nothing but improve the club's chances of scoring enough runs to pull out some wins.
There will still be a lot of fun baseball this season. Will it mean a pennant? Odds say no. But the odds may have said the same to some of those other clubs who had to undergo similar nightmares in the past.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Highlight of the Day for the Astros
The famed Clydedales got Opening Day in St. Louis off to a rousing start. The Astros never got into the swing of things and lost 5-0 with Albert Pujols driving in four runs. Three of them on a homer. Adam Wainwright was the shut-down starting pitcher and winner. Day off on Tuesday. Then the 0-7 Astros will try to win their first..again.
After the game Manager Brad Mills said the club is giving its best. Right now that just isn't enough. The club frankly was unlucky not to be able to get on the scoreboard early. In the first Michael Bourn singled and stole second. Unfortunately Tommy Manzella could not get him to third where Hunter Pence's ensuing fly ball would have scored him.
In the second inning with a runner on first Kazuo Matsui had the best hit ball by an Astro all day. Centerfielder Colby Rasmus somehow caught up with it in the deepest outfield. And the Astros had failed to score again.
Meanwhile, Albert Pujols, who actually did not hit well against the Astros in 2009--as hard as that is to believe--started out 2010 quite well. He singled home a run in the first and hit a three run homer the next time up. Coupled with the Astros inability to solve Adam Wainwright that was the old ballgame.
We'll try again Wednesday night. If this losing stuff is getting old to you, what do you think it is doing to the players--especially the ones who are having personal as well as team failure game after game? Don't you think for a minute that Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence and the others who are underproducing aren't about to tear themselves apart. It hurts and it hurts a lot.
Meanwhile the Clydesdales impress. I always am.
Oswalt Skips Media..Astros Move On
It is off to St. Louis. And don't worry, Houston media, we have Roy Oswalt here.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Baseball Broadcasters Hate to Miss Games
Even though the major league baseball season is 162 games long most of the people who make their living announcing games on either radio or television don't like missing games.
Oh sure, there are some--especially in the last twenty years--who have had other commitments and missed some action. Lately there have been some who actually have vacations built into their schedules, not unlike what major league umpires have. Some older announcers, like Milo Hamilton in Houston, have been able to work only home games..or Milo's fellow Ford Frick winner, Jerry Coleman in San Diego, who now works only part of SOME home games.
But generally if healthy most announcers don't like to miss games. Baseball is such a daily story that being away for awhile makes them feel out of the loop.
That feeling applies to anyone who is used to covering the sport everyday. Nowadays newspaper reporters get breaks. In the old days they did not.
I guess I must classify myself as one of the dinosaurs. Although I am not working in the booth, I am essentially scheduled to work all the Astro telecasts and feel strange when I miss a game.
I felt less strange Friday night.
I had to leave after taping a pre game interview with Pedro Feliz to come to Norman, Oklahoma for Saturday's Big 12 baseball telecast between Oklahoma and Missouri. So, I missed the Astros game.
I guess if I have to miss a few games this year due to the Big 12 conflict, Friday's was a great one to miss. I checked on line when I got to the hotel so I could fill in the score book page for the game. (I have always done that so when the season is over I will have a full record of the season including the games I miss.)
It was depressing. The Phillies totally dominated the Astros with their 8-0 win. That was total failure on both offense and defense (pitching) for the Astros. After the sweep by the Giants and now this start against the Phillies fans may be starting to get concerned. Until the bats start producing the light at the end of the tunnel has not been even turned on yet.
What can be said? Most did not expect the Astros to be strong contenders in the NL Central this season, but a four game start as slow as this? Even considering the foes it has been a surprise.
All we can hope is that the light will be turned on in the tunnel soon--maybe that is the return of Lance Berkman to the lineup--and the train can finally start coming down the track.
In the meantime I hope I am sorry I miss Saturday's game because I am here in Norman. I sure didn't miss Friday's.
Oh sure, there are some--especially in the last twenty years--who have had other commitments and missed some action. Lately there have been some who actually have vacations built into their schedules, not unlike what major league umpires have. Some older announcers, like Milo Hamilton in Houston, have been able to work only home games..or Milo's fellow Ford Frick winner, Jerry Coleman in San Diego, who now works only part of SOME home games.
But generally if healthy most announcers don't like to miss games. Baseball is such a daily story that being away for awhile makes them feel out of the loop.
That feeling applies to anyone who is used to covering the sport everyday. Nowadays newspaper reporters get breaks. In the old days they did not.
I guess I must classify myself as one of the dinosaurs. Although I am not working in the booth, I am essentially scheduled to work all the Astro telecasts and feel strange when I miss a game.
I felt less strange Friday night.
I had to leave after taping a pre game interview with Pedro Feliz to come to Norman, Oklahoma for Saturday's Big 12 baseball telecast between Oklahoma and Missouri. So, I missed the Astros game.
I guess if I have to miss a few games this year due to the Big 12 conflict, Friday's was a great one to miss. I checked on line when I got to the hotel so I could fill in the score book page for the game. (I have always done that so when the season is over I will have a full record of the season including the games I miss.)
It was depressing. The Phillies totally dominated the Astros with their 8-0 win. That was total failure on both offense and defense (pitching) for the Astros. After the sweep by the Giants and now this start against the Phillies fans may be starting to get concerned. Until the bats start producing the light at the end of the tunnel has not been even turned on yet.
What can be said? Most did not expect the Astros to be strong contenders in the NL Central this season, but a four game start as slow as this? Even considering the foes it has been a surprise.
All we can hope is that the light will be turned on in the tunnel soon--maybe that is the return of Lance Berkman to the lineup--and the train can finally start coming down the track.
In the meantime I hope I am sorry I miss Saturday's game because I am here in Norman. I sure didn't miss Friday's.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Halliday Weekend Coming for Astros
The most talked about pitcher in baseball and now a Philadelphia Phillie, Roy Halliday, makes his Houston debut on Sunday. Still, the two games preceding may be more important for the Astros to get out of their early slump.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Game Disappointing but Instant Messaging Wins
I know most Astro fans are distraught by the 0-3 start the home team has had for the 2010 season. The San Francisco Giants had little trouble in sweeping the home town nine. But don't fret. It won't always be that bad. The Giants have very good starting pitching. The Astros have "keep us in the game" starting pitching for the most part. Normally that is enough. That is essentially what the Brewers have and maybe even the Cubs, too.
But when a team with far better pitching than that like the Giants meets a team missing at least one top hitter and perhaps pressing too hard to impress like the Astros...the results are not surprising.
Hunter Pence will hit. Carlos Lee will hit. Michael Bourn will hit. Lance Berkman will at some point play...and hit. It is just not happening yet and the results have been dismal.
However, we started something on FS Houston Wednesday that I think all Astro fans will like--dare I say, win or lose?
For a number of games this year we will open up instant messaging on http://foxsportshouston.com/ (I put the full address on here so you can click on it and make it part of your favorites or bookmark file.)
Although the site is relatively new we like it and it will get better and better. In addition it is the gateway to joining us with the on line messaging during the games we open up.
Matt Bullard has been serving sort of as a test dummy during selected Rocket home games. It has worked well for the Rocket telecast and should be even more popular during the long Astro season, especially since Astro games can be seen further from the immediate Houston area and are also aired on MLB.TV which can be seen world wide.
So, pay attention when I mention on the air that we are opening the instant messaging site. It can be found on the website. It is great because all the fans who are using it can converse among each other as well as to me. Later we will also be bringing back "Email the booth" mostly for those games that do not use instant messaging or for fans who just want to ask a question that does not call for an immediate answer.
In the meantime Twitter is still an option to keep up on the games when you are on the go or not able to watch. Every game I am working (and not on a college assignment) I will update frequently.
Everything starts with http://foxsportshouston.com/. It is a winner every day, something no sports team in history can claim to ever have been.
But when a team with far better pitching than that like the Giants meets a team missing at least one top hitter and perhaps pressing too hard to impress like the Astros...the results are not surprising.
Hunter Pence will hit. Carlos Lee will hit. Michael Bourn will hit. Lance Berkman will at some point play...and hit. It is just not happening yet and the results have been dismal.
However, we started something on FS Houston Wednesday that I think all Astro fans will like--dare I say, win or lose?
For a number of games this year we will open up instant messaging on http://foxsportshouston.com/ (I put the full address on here so you can click on it and make it part of your favorites or bookmark file.)
Although the site is relatively new we like it and it will get better and better. In addition it is the gateway to joining us with the on line messaging during the games we open up.
Matt Bullard has been serving sort of as a test dummy during selected Rocket home games. It has worked well for the Rocket telecast and should be even more popular during the long Astro season, especially since Astro games can be seen further from the immediate Houston area and are also aired on MLB.TV which can be seen world wide.
So, pay attention when I mention on the air that we are opening the instant messaging site. It can be found on the website. It is great because all the fans who are using it can converse among each other as well as to me. Later we will also be bringing back "Email the booth" mostly for those games that do not use instant messaging or for fans who just want to ask a question that does not call for an immediate answer.
In the meantime Twitter is still an option to keep up on the games when you are on the go or not able to watch. Every game I am working (and not on a college assignment) I will update frequently.
Everything starts with http://foxsportshouston.com/. It is a winner every day, something no sports team in history can claim to ever have been.
Couldn't Be a Rougher Start--to Hit!
The Astros have lost their first two games to the Giants. They very easily could make it three straight Wednesday afternoon. Don't get too far "down" if it happens. It is only a small slice of a long season and with the strength of the San Francisco starting pitching should not have been unexpected.
The Giants may not have baseball's most dangerous daily lineup. However, they very well may have the most dangerous starting pitching. At least three deep in quality as in two time Cy Young Award winning quality followed by a man named Barry Zito, whose record may not have impressed in his three previous San Francisco seasons, but who also may have re-found himself in 2009 when he reduced his earned run average more than a run per game.
Wednesday's starter, Matt Cain, had a very good 2009 with a 14-8 2.89 number line. So, while odds say the Astros will surely score a run against a Giant starter this year the chances of it being against Cain are not much better than an even money bet.
There is, however, a bright side to what has happened to the Astros against the Giants. The Houston pitching has been OK. Not great, but it has been OK.
In most games allowing only three runs in six innings as both Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez did will keep a team in a game. Against "normal" opponents that will often translate into winning games and will do so as the season rolls on. It just won't win a lot against the Giants' monster arms.
Some feel Hunter Pence may be pressing a bit seeing so many baserunners on base during his at bats. (He had six baserunners during the first two games, but no runs batted in.) It could be debated. However, the real reason he has no runs batted in probably should be shifted to the work by the pitcher on the mound. Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito, although both were rarely in trouble or rarely troubled by baserunners, were able to defuse any "hoped for" Astro threats.
Baseball has a long season with a lot of games. Getting off to a slow start given the pitchers the Astros will be facing to open the season can be disappointing, but should not be a surprise. And, the season is long enough a slow start can be reversed soon enough.
The Giants may not have baseball's most dangerous daily lineup. However, they very well may have the most dangerous starting pitching. At least three deep in quality as in two time Cy Young Award winning quality followed by a man named Barry Zito, whose record may not have impressed in his three previous San Francisco seasons, but who also may have re-found himself in 2009 when he reduced his earned run average more than a run per game.
Wednesday's starter, Matt Cain, had a very good 2009 with a 14-8 2.89 number line. So, while odds say the Astros will surely score a run against a Giant starter this year the chances of it being against Cain are not much better than an even money bet.
There is, however, a bright side to what has happened to the Astros against the Giants. The Houston pitching has been OK. Not great, but it has been OK.
In most games allowing only three runs in six innings as both Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez did will keep a team in a game. Against "normal" opponents that will often translate into winning games and will do so as the season rolls on. It just won't win a lot against the Giants' monster arms.
Some feel Hunter Pence may be pressing a bit seeing so many baserunners on base during his at bats. (He had six baserunners during the first two games, but no runs batted in.) It could be debated. However, the real reason he has no runs batted in probably should be shifted to the work by the pitcher on the mound. Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito, although both were rarely in trouble or rarely troubled by baserunners, were able to defuse any "hoped for" Astro threats.
Baseball has a long season with a lot of games. Getting off to a slow start given the pitchers the Astros will be facing to open the season can be disappointing, but should not be a surprise. And, the season is long enough a slow start can be reversed soon enough.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Was A Game for the Ages...Not the Astros
There were two very significant sporting events on the Monday schedule. One was purely local--the season opener for the Astros against the Giants. The other, of course, the NCAA men's basketball championship game.
One game was just another routine win for a two time Cy Young Award winner. The other was just another championship for one of the strongest programs in basketball. But the latter was also one of the most thrilling and tightly contested championship games in years if not ever.
The San Francisco Giants behind Tim Lincecum who threw seven shutout innings knocked over the Astros 5-2. A three run second inning off Astro starter Roy Oswalt featuring three singles, two of which were in the "fortunate" range, a walk and a sacrifice fly did the damage. That was more than enough for Lincecum. The Astros did have some chances with the right people at the plate.
In the sixth after one out singles by Michael Bourn and Kazuo Matsui both Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee were retired. In the 8th after a Tommy Manzella single and another by Matsui, Pence ended the inning with a pop up to first base.
The Astros did finally get a pair of runs in the 9th off the Giant's bullpen with Pedro Feliz and J.R. Towles driving in the runs, but those scored after the Astros had fallen behind 5-0 and were too little too late.
It was only one loss and losing to a pitcher as strong as Lincecum is nothing to worry about. Tonight things are a bit different. Wandy Rodriquez faces Barry Zito. Wandy was weak during the spring, but has been very dependable over the past two regular seasons. The Astros need that.
Meanwhile the basketball game--unlike the Astros game-- was in doubt all the way to the final two field goal attempts by Butler. Both missed the mark and Duke won its 4th NCAA title 61-59 before over 70,000 fans in Indianapolis.
Watching the game it appeared Duke was too tall and too good. But every time the scoreboard was checked it was found the Bulldogs were hanging in. They did that with aggressiveness, hustle, quickness and heart. Anyone looking back at a game this close can find numerous plays that could have changed things into either into a larger Duke win...or a Butler victory. As it was Duke never led by more than six. Butler never led by more than two. Yet, the Bulldogs had a chance to win it all in the final seconds after coming back from a 60-55 deficit with Duke owning the ball. Butler got the next four points at the foul line setting up the chance for late heroics. It wasn't to be.
Duke had the better team and they deservedly won the championship. Still no one played harder than the group of mostly underclassmen from Butler. The whole NCAA tournament from week one to the final shot will go down as one of the best ever played. It also may go down as the last of its kind with word the field may be expanded to 96 teams next year.
Now, its back to business with the Astros. Maybe they can do something to make this baseball season something to remember, too.
One game was just another routine win for a two time Cy Young Award winner. The other was just another championship for one of the strongest programs in basketball. But the latter was also one of the most thrilling and tightly contested championship games in years if not ever.
The San Francisco Giants behind Tim Lincecum who threw seven shutout innings knocked over the Astros 5-2. A three run second inning off Astro starter Roy Oswalt featuring three singles, two of which were in the "fortunate" range, a walk and a sacrifice fly did the damage. That was more than enough for Lincecum. The Astros did have some chances with the right people at the plate.
In the sixth after one out singles by Michael Bourn and Kazuo Matsui both Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee were retired. In the 8th after a Tommy Manzella single and another by Matsui, Pence ended the inning with a pop up to first base.
The Astros did finally get a pair of runs in the 9th off the Giant's bullpen with Pedro Feliz and J.R. Towles driving in the runs, but those scored after the Astros had fallen behind 5-0 and were too little too late.
It was only one loss and losing to a pitcher as strong as Lincecum is nothing to worry about. Tonight things are a bit different. Wandy Rodriquez faces Barry Zito. Wandy was weak during the spring, but has been very dependable over the past two regular seasons. The Astros need that.
Meanwhile the basketball game--unlike the Astros game-- was in doubt all the way to the final two field goal attempts by Butler. Both missed the mark and Duke won its 4th NCAA title 61-59 before over 70,000 fans in Indianapolis.
Watching the game it appeared Duke was too tall and too good. But every time the scoreboard was checked it was found the Bulldogs were hanging in. They did that with aggressiveness, hustle, quickness and heart. Anyone looking back at a game this close can find numerous plays that could have changed things into either into a larger Duke win...or a Butler victory. As it was Duke never led by more than six. Butler never led by more than two. Yet, the Bulldogs had a chance to win it all in the final seconds after coming back from a 60-55 deficit with Duke owning the ball. Butler got the next four points at the foul line setting up the chance for late heroics. It wasn't to be.
Duke had the better team and they deservedly won the championship. Still no one played harder than the group of mostly underclassmen from Butler. The whole NCAA tournament from week one to the final shot will go down as one of the best ever played. It also may go down as the last of its kind with word the field may be expanded to 96 teams next year.
Now, its back to business with the Astros. Maybe they can do something to make this baseball season something to remember, too.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Today is One of the Best Days of the Year!
You have gotta love it. Baseball is back as college basketball crowns a champion. It is a very good day.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Nothing like Being at the Ballpark
The game doesn't count. The Astros are behind early. But who really cares? Baseball is back and the real season begins Monday night.
We can hope the Astros will win every game. They won't. We can hope they will win the pennant and the World Series. They likely won't. But they WILL be playing baseball--81 times at home and 81 more on the road. All the games will be carried on radio. Most of the games will also be on TV. There is nothing better than knowing the next game is only a few hours away.
Nothing like football where fans of teams have to wait a whole week for the next game. Or pro basketball when you are not always sure what nights the team IS playing. No, baseball is with us daily.
Does everyone pay close attention to every game? No, of course not. The world is a busy place with many other things to do. Baseball is there for you, though. Whenever you want it. That is a comforting thought.
So, let's play ball for real on Monday.
COVERAGE NOTES:
Regular season telecasts will all begin at least 30 minutes prior to the opening pitch with Kevin Eschefelder, Bart Enis and occasionally Patti Smith anchoring the pregame show. I will be contributing interviews and commentary from home and road. The pre/post game analyst roster will include many of those from past seasons plus a few special guests. Bill Brown and Jim Deshaies will anchor game action from the booth with home contributions from Smith, Enis and myself. I will handle that role from the road.
The final exhibition game with Toronto on Saturday will begin at 1pm with no pregame or post game element.
We can hope the Astros will win every game. They won't. We can hope they will win the pennant and the World Series. They likely won't. But they WILL be playing baseball--81 times at home and 81 more on the road. All the games will be carried on radio. Most of the games will also be on TV. There is nothing better than knowing the next game is only a few hours away.
Nothing like football where fans of teams have to wait a whole week for the next game. Or pro basketball when you are not always sure what nights the team IS playing. No, baseball is with us daily.
Does everyone pay close attention to every game? No, of course not. The world is a busy place with many other things to do. Baseball is there for you, though. Whenever you want it. That is a comforting thought.
So, let's play ball for real on Monday.
COVERAGE NOTES:
Regular season telecasts will all begin at least 30 minutes prior to the opening pitch with Kevin Eschefelder, Bart Enis and occasionally Patti Smith anchoring the pregame show. I will be contributing interviews and commentary from home and road. The pre/post game analyst roster will include many of those from past seasons plus a few special guests. Bill Brown and Jim Deshaies will anchor game action from the booth with home contributions from Smith, Enis and myself. I will handle that role from the road.
The final exhibition game with Toronto on Saturday will begin at 1pm with no pregame or post game element.
Astros Opening Team Won't be Finishing Team
The Astros are back in town to play their final two pre-season exhibition games against Toronto before hosting San Francisco on Monday in the regular season opener.
The game on Monday will officially mark the beginning of the season, but at least one key player won't be playing. Lance Berkman starts the season on the disabled list due to his left knee that continues to give him problems after arthroscopic surgery a month ago. It is hoped he won't be missing more than the first four games. However, there is no guarantee yet that will be the case.
The Astros have given his roster spot to rookie Chris Johnson who earned it after leading the team in homers and runs batted in during the spring. Johnson is still ticketed to spend the bulk of the season at Round Rock refining his defensive play and filling some holes in his swing that exposure to major league pitching on a regular basis may make prominent.
No matter how long Chris sticks with the team this time his spring work...and his strong finish last season at Round Rock...have elevated him from suspect to real prospect. It has been evident to coaches and scouts he has been working hard at correcting any faults.
Until Berkman is ready to play Geoff Blum is expected to get most of the work at first base--at least against right handed pitching. When lefties are on the hill the Astros may move Pedro Feliz from third to first and insert Johnson at the hot corner. Feliz is a much better defensive third baseman than Johnson, but he has played first base in the past and the feeling is apparently that it makes little sense to try and "force feed" Johnson the intricacies of playing first base for what may be a short term than putting Feliz over there since he has played it before.
All of that is well and good and makes perfect sense. The bottom line on all this, however, is that Lance Berkman needs to be ready to play full bore as soon as possible. Missing the start of the season can foul up a player for the whole year. The Astros can't afford that from Lance.
In 2005 Berkman started late due to off season right knee surgery when he was hurt playing touch football. He played in only 132 games that season. His batting average was .293 and he hit 24 home runs with 88 runs batted in. Those were all career lows until last season when he played in four more games, hit one more homer, drove in five fewer runs and hit for a career low .274 average. Of course, in 2005 few noticed because the Astros won the National League pennant and played in the World Series.
Lance had a lot more help in leading the offense--as weak as it was--in 2005. Whether he will have as much aid in 2010 remains to be seen. Thus, his balky knee, increasing age and other questions about the club are making a lot of fans nervous.
For whatever concerns Astro fans may have about the team that starts the season on Monday just remember the team that starts is never the team that finishes. Injuries and poor performance require GM's to make moves and changes. Hopefully all the changes Ed Wade is face with making in 2010 will work. And hopefully, Lance Berkman will be solidly in the lineup watching them be made.
The game on Monday will officially mark the beginning of the season, but at least one key player won't be playing. Lance Berkman starts the season on the disabled list due to his left knee that continues to give him problems after arthroscopic surgery a month ago. It is hoped he won't be missing more than the first four games. However, there is no guarantee yet that will be the case.
The Astros have given his roster spot to rookie Chris Johnson who earned it after leading the team in homers and runs batted in during the spring. Johnson is still ticketed to spend the bulk of the season at Round Rock refining his defensive play and filling some holes in his swing that exposure to major league pitching on a regular basis may make prominent.
No matter how long Chris sticks with the team this time his spring work...and his strong finish last season at Round Rock...have elevated him from suspect to real prospect. It has been evident to coaches and scouts he has been working hard at correcting any faults.
Until Berkman is ready to play Geoff Blum is expected to get most of the work at first base--at least against right handed pitching. When lefties are on the hill the Astros may move Pedro Feliz from third to first and insert Johnson at the hot corner. Feliz is a much better defensive third baseman than Johnson, but he has played first base in the past and the feeling is apparently that it makes little sense to try and "force feed" Johnson the intricacies of playing first base for what may be a short term than putting Feliz over there since he has played it before.
All of that is well and good and makes perfect sense. The bottom line on all this, however, is that Lance Berkman needs to be ready to play full bore as soon as possible. Missing the start of the season can foul up a player for the whole year. The Astros can't afford that from Lance.
In 2005 Berkman started late due to off season right knee surgery when he was hurt playing touch football. He played in only 132 games that season. His batting average was .293 and he hit 24 home runs with 88 runs batted in. Those were all career lows until last season when he played in four more games, hit one more homer, drove in five fewer runs and hit for a career low .274 average. Of course, in 2005 few noticed because the Astros won the National League pennant and played in the World Series.
Lance had a lot more help in leading the offense--as weak as it was--in 2005. Whether he will have as much aid in 2010 remains to be seen. Thus, his balky knee, increasing age and other questions about the club are making a lot of fans nervous.
For whatever concerns Astro fans may have about the team that starts the season on Monday just remember the team that starts is never the team that finishes. Injuries and poor performance require GM's to make moves and changes. Hopefully all the changes Ed Wade is face with making in 2010 will work. And hopefully, Lance Berkman will be solidly in the lineup watching them be made.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
James Dickey is a Good Hire for UH
The University of Houston has made a good choice for their new men's head basketball coach. James Dickey will win. James Dickey will do a lot more than that too. He will do whatever is needed to help rebuild the Cougar's whole basketball operation.
I am laying that on the line early in this commentary because I keep hearing there are some Cougar fans and backers who are so much against James that they have already formed an anti-Dickey web site.
That is absurd. Do some homework folks. Cougar Athletic Director Mack Rhoades made a good choice. He did HIS homework. As is the case in any hiring there were other candidates who would possibly have been good hires as well as Dickey. Former UTEP, Texas A&M and Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie comes to mind. So does Bob Marlin who pulled himself out of deep consideration to move from Sam Houston State to Louisiana-Lafayette. Then there were the top assistants at a couple schools who might have been ripe for picking.
James Dickey is not a "big name." He is not an "up and comer." Yet, James Dickey's entire career shows he can coach. He can recruit. He can raise money. He is the complete package.
During his career as head coach at Texas Tech before the new basketball arena was built he was recruiting players to Lubbock good enough to compile a 119-58 record in his first six years. He coached one team to a 30-2 record. He produced players who made it in the NBA. He and his teams were as good as any in the league--first the Southwest Conference and later the early years of the Big 12.
He was essentially forced out at Texas Tech when Bob Knight became available and interested and Athletic Director Gerald Myers decided to bring in his friend. The timing was good because Tech had lost nine basketball scholarships as a result of some players being involved in an academic scandal which touched more athletes than just basketball players. Without the ability to fill a full roster, Dickey's teams struggled to a 47-66 mark during his final years before Knight took over.
Out of head coaching since the end of the 2001 season, Dickey was not out of coaching. He served on the staff of Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State and was far more involved than most assistants--especially during Sutton's final years. Since that information is second hand I won't go into detail. Those close to the program or who know the Sutton story may know to what I am referring. The point is that James Dickey has been far more than just an assistant coach since he left Tech.
Now, Billy Gillispie would have been a new coach with more "flash." He, too, has solid coaching credentials. He also has personal black marks against him for contract jumping, apparent alcohol abuse and reluctance to play the "political game".
There are no similar concerns with James Dickey. He was a solid head coach and a very loyal assistant. He is a very good man. And let me tell you Cougar fans, his teams will be very entertaining to watch. They will win. He will get the University back on the right track. Oh yes, he will recruit.
Of all the candidates for the job the public is aware of James Dickey was the most complete package. He had more plusses going for him than anyone else. Mack Rhoades and Cougar administrators just added things up and Dickey's name was the right choice.
So, on his 56th birthday James Dickey returns to major college coaching. Welcome back, James. Cougar fans--even those who are so irate about the hire--will be changing their tune once they see what Dickey and his new assistants can do.
I am laying that on the line early in this commentary because I keep hearing there are some Cougar fans and backers who are so much against James that they have already formed an anti-Dickey web site.
That is absurd. Do some homework folks. Cougar Athletic Director Mack Rhoades made a good choice. He did HIS homework. As is the case in any hiring there were other candidates who would possibly have been good hires as well as Dickey. Former UTEP, Texas A&M and Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie comes to mind. So does Bob Marlin who pulled himself out of deep consideration to move from Sam Houston State to Louisiana-Lafayette. Then there were the top assistants at a couple schools who might have been ripe for picking.
James Dickey is not a "big name." He is not an "up and comer." Yet, James Dickey's entire career shows he can coach. He can recruit. He can raise money. He is the complete package.
During his career as head coach at Texas Tech before the new basketball arena was built he was recruiting players to Lubbock good enough to compile a 119-58 record in his first six years. He coached one team to a 30-2 record. He produced players who made it in the NBA. He and his teams were as good as any in the league--first the Southwest Conference and later the early years of the Big 12.
He was essentially forced out at Texas Tech when Bob Knight became available and interested and Athletic Director Gerald Myers decided to bring in his friend. The timing was good because Tech had lost nine basketball scholarships as a result of some players being involved in an academic scandal which touched more athletes than just basketball players. Without the ability to fill a full roster, Dickey's teams struggled to a 47-66 mark during his final years before Knight took over.
Out of head coaching since the end of the 2001 season, Dickey was not out of coaching. He served on the staff of Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State and was far more involved than most assistants--especially during Sutton's final years. Since that information is second hand I won't go into detail. Those close to the program or who know the Sutton story may know to what I am referring. The point is that James Dickey has been far more than just an assistant coach since he left Tech.
Now, Billy Gillispie would have been a new coach with more "flash." He, too, has solid coaching credentials. He also has personal black marks against him for contract jumping, apparent alcohol abuse and reluctance to play the "political game".
There are no similar concerns with James Dickey. He was a solid head coach and a very loyal assistant. He is a very good man. And let me tell you Cougar fans, his teams will be very entertaining to watch. They will win. He will get the University back on the right track. Oh yes, he will recruit.
Of all the candidates for the job the public is aware of James Dickey was the most complete package. He had more plusses going for him than anyone else. Mack Rhoades and Cougar administrators just added things up and Dickey's name was the right choice.
So, on his 56th birthday James Dickey returns to major college coaching. Welcome back, James. Cougar fans--even those who are so irate about the hire--will be changing their tune once they see what Dickey and his new assistants can do.
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