tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61119582907018871572024-03-13T12:25:44.946-05:00The Unofficial Astros Blog: Because Drayton said I couldn't use the word officialIn depth analysis of hot stove, spring training, season and (cross fingers) playoffs. On a non-Astros note, I also include some fantasy analysis/opinion for Astros and non-Astros players.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-83427193869459940622009-04-17T19:04:00.001-05:002009-04-17T19:05:48.334-05:00Drew SuttonApparently the Reds website said it is Sutton. No time to confirm gotta get the kidd-o's! have a great weekend and sorry for my absence. I'm trying to get a new laptop soon.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-4243010361111261082009-04-17T19:02:00.000-05:002009-04-17T19:03:44.063-05:00Reds will announce PTBNL<h1><a linkindex="13" href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/04/reds-to-announce-ptbnl-this-week.html"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >FROM MLBTR:</span><br /></a></h1> <div class="byline"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">4:19pm: </span></span><a linkindex="14" href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog07&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:e57bcc87-152a-4f72-96fb-cc08b1f396efPost:afe1f4d2-355e-4abb-9ae4-2e3f993624ca&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Enquirer's Nick Hurm</span></a><span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> has the name. The Reds will recieve infielder </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Drew Sutton</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">, who will head straight to Triple-A Louisville. Sutton, 25, hit .317 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI last season at Double-A Corpus Christi.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">He was named the Astros' eighth best prospect by Baseball America prior to this season.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1:28pm: </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span><a linkindex="15" href="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog07&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:e57bcc87-152a-4f72-96fb-cc08b1f396efPost:b946ee3f-0498-47d2-8a0c-e9a048bf8f59&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer</span></span></a></span><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">, the Reds found out Thursday who they'll be getting for </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Jeff Keppinger</span></span></span></span><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Keppinger was </span></span></span><a linkindex="16" href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/03/astros-acquire-jeff-keppinger.html"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">dealt to the Astros</span></span></a><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> on March 31 for a player to be named later. That mystery man will be revealed shortly. </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"We'll probably announce it this week," said Reds GM Walt Jocketty. Fay also adds this:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">When the deal was made, Jocketty said the player-to-be-named was a minor leaguer. He wouldn't say that Wednesday. So I guess there's a chance it's a big league player. I believe the Reds need to clear a spot on the 40-man, if that's the case.</span></span></span></span></span>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-4207067152165148492009-04-17T09:55:00.002-05:002009-04-17T09:57:54.156-05:00Some new stuffSo I think what I will be doin' in order to keep up with work, kids, court and no lap top is to post at the end of a series and give you a recap of what took place.<br /><br />Also, If someone would like to write for The Unofficial Official, it would be greatly appreciated. I refuse to delete this blog regardless of the lack of time I have in front of me. I will have some stuff put together about the Pitt series later this afternoon. To all those who have "checked in" on me, thank you and yes, we will move forward as we can and go from there.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-89717029763520682072009-04-15T09:31:00.002-05:002009-04-15T09:47:08.698-05:00Copper first manager on the Block? NAHSo this <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9457462/Cooper-could-be-first-manager-fired?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=49">article</a> form Ken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rosenthal</span> is pretty, well, stupid.<br /><br />and I quote:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cooper is a ready scapegoat; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McLane</span> allowed him to enter the final year of his contract without offering him an extension. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Astros</span>' veterans do not care for Cooper, and the team's 1-6 start — following its 1-16-3 start in spring training — points to a lack of preparation</span>.<br /><br />First, What's wrong with evaluating a manager in a full year as opposed to a half season-like last year. I think I would want to see what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I'm</span> paying for on an entire evaluation, not a snippet. Second, Who is his source of veterans that don't like Coop? I honestly don't think that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Berkman</span> and Roy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Oswalt</span>, being the veteran leaders they are, would come out and say that to someone. I may be mistaken and missed this but honestly, it's my blog! Thirdly, the 1-16-3 start is attributed to letting the AA, AA and invites play. We already know that the big 3 and a handful of other guys are going to make the team.<br /><br />So he fired me up today. He goes on to say that Buck <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Showalter</span> should be manager and that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Drayton</span> is blind if he thinks the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Stros</span> are going to contend. Ever wonder if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Drayton</span> ever really thought that?The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-21462058644199568442009-04-15T09:24:00.003-05:002009-04-15T09:31:03.722-05:00Pedro Martinez should be an AstroHonestly, nobody else in baseball will accept his terroristic like 5 million dollar a year demand. I could see Drayton forking it over, I mean it's in his blood to overpay for over pitchers over the age of 35. I'm not in any way saying this will happen, just a thought.<br /><br />Pedro is turning into The Manny Saga part deux. He wants too much money, but SOMEONE will pay it eventually. The Angels' balked at his demands the other day as it appears Pedro's agent reached out to them. They are waiting on Lackey and Santana to recover. The Met's pretty much said see ya'. I could really see someone like the A's paying just a tad too much for him or the O's who missed out on Teixera & Burnett.<br /><br />What do you think? Will Pedro pull a Roger and pitch a half season in Houston for too much money?The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-70957814236403413492009-04-15T00:36:00.001-05:002009-04-15T00:36:56.735-05:00Off day links and newsKinda bored so thought I would throw some stuff out there.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Harry Kalas, famed Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster, and voice of NFL Films <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4064793">died yesterday</a> at the age of 73. A member of the original Houston Astros radio crew along with Gene Elston, Kalas worked in Houston from 1965 to 1970. A true legend, indeed. He passed away while at the ballpark. I suppose that's fitting for a man such as Mr. Kalas </li><li>Just hours after Harry Kalas' death, the sadness around MLB was exacerbated as former pitcher Mark Fidrych was <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090414/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bba_obit_fidrych">found dead</a> at his Massachusetts home. He was 54. "The Bird" was the 1976 AL Rookie of the Year. A character on and off the field, baseball has lost one of it's genuinely good people </li><li>Fangraphs <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-top-10-prospects-nl-central-2/#comments">lists</a> the top ten prospects of the NL Central clubs. Our top guy is Jason Castro, followed by Drew Sutton and Brian Bogusevic. I like that Sutton is getting some dap nationally </li><li>Richard Justice has a suggestion for Drayton McLane: Cut out the middle men, and <a href="http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2009/04/if_drayton_were.html">manage the Astros yourself</a>. He seems to be on point for the most part in his takes...I fear the apocolypse as a result </li><li>Bud Norris' <a href="http://www.roundrockexpress.com/default.asp?PageId=22&stats=g_box&gid=2009_04_13_omaaaa_rreaaa_1">PCL debut</a> was yesterday: 4.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 3 BB, 4 H. I think we're all waiting for him to step up and pitch the way he's capable of. Offensively, JR Towles hit a double in three plate appearances in a 8-4 loss to Omaha </li><li>On Sunday, Jason Castro and Koby Clemens <a href="http://www.jethawks.com/news/game-recaps/view/?id=592">continued slugging</a> en route to a 7-4 victory for Lancaster </li><li>Burger King is under fire from multiple fronts. First, Mexicans are <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D97HSL0O1&show_article=1">upset</a> at the fast food chain for their recent ads for the "Texican" burger. Second, feminists are up in arms over a <a href="http://community.feministing.com/2009/04/a-new-low-even-for-burger-king.html">commercial</a> advertising their Kid's Meal...The day it's inappropriate to air sexually suggestive material aimed at children will be a sad day indeed </li><li>Unfortunately, I can see Astros fans being sent <a href="http://www.someecards.com/upload/sports/sorry_your_team_is_the_one_with_the_obligatory.html">this</a> card in July. </li><li>The Nationals have the right idea- let fans <a href="http://www.slashfood.com/2008/03/26/good-news-washington-nationals-fans/">bring their own food</a> into the game. With the economy as poor as it is, any inducement to come out to the park is well worth the effort </li><li>We're not the only team struggling with a veteran starting pitcher. <a href="http://www.brewcrewball.com/2009/4/13/833256/pitching-to-context-how-bad-is">Jeff Suppan</a> isn't exactly thrilling the folks up in Milwaukee </li><li>A scoreless <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=290413130&page=boxscore">bottom of the eighth inning</a> of a blowout 15-5 victory for the Tampa Bay Rays was a bit more interesting than one would have thought. New York Yankees first baseman Nick Swisher came in to pitch, and didn't allow a run. He even struck out Gabe "The Babe" Kapler. <i>That's</i> for having a first name that easily lends itself to having the nickname, "The Babe." Here's what his pitches <a target="_blank" href="http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/4/14/834782/graph-s-of-the-day-the-yankees">looked like</a>. </li></ul>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-29327986112794622062009-04-14T18:51:00.001-05:002009-04-14T18:52:53.938-05:00thank god it's an off day.Busier than a hooker in a Korean brothel on "sailor day". Will have some stuff up later tonight.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-51090525328839707652009-04-14T14:30:00.001-05:002009-04-14T14:35:00.498-05:00Rant of the week. AND I'M OUT<p>What an awful 2 days.</p> <p>First, Kyle Freaking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lohse</span> throws a 3 hit shutout. The next day, Zach Freaking Duke throws a four hit 2 walk shutout. We're not talking aces here. </p> <p>When Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bourn</span> is leading your team in RBIs, you KNOW you are in trouble. The guys look absolutely lifeless up there, to put it mildly VERY mildly.</p> <p>In <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lohse's</span> game, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wandy</span> walked 3, trying not to give up any runs, and his defense sure '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nuff</span> didn't do him any favors. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Moehler</span> was simply awful from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ge</span>t-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">go</span>. His ERA went DOWN from 38 to 27 - turns out he is having knee pain (what a surprise) and is going for an MRI - wonder what they are going to do if he goes on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DL</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Capellan</span>, probably, as I doubt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Backe</span> will be ready.</p> <p>I have no idea what to do or say about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Berkman</span> and Lee not hitting. If they don't hit, we're not gonna win too much, and they picked a bad time to slump together. I also don't like Pence in the 2-hole because he's gotten overly aggressive and is swinging at pitches low and away again. Might could be time to get another hitting coach.</p> <p>Yes, I know that the pitching has been rotten, too, except for Sampson and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Wandy</span>. Then again, I've never been a fan of Dewey Robinson.</p> <p>I remember that in 05, we lost something like 20 of our first 21 away games. It wasn't quite as demoralizing because we won at least half of our home games, and so far this year, we've only had 3 home games. The only way that a long long losing streak would be good is if it somehow shakes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Drayton</span> out of his complacency, not that I'm holding my breath.</p> <p>So overall, I hereby think it is time to quote that great baseball mind, George Scott (ex Brewer):</p> <p>"If we're gonna win, the players gotta play better, the coaches gotta coach better, the manager gotta manage better and the owners gotta own better."</p> <p>Couldn't of said it better my own self.</p>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-55621819368955013842009-04-13T12:53:00.001-05:002009-04-13T12:55:43.284-05:00Game delayed but underway..So far, Matsui grounded out to second and Tejada doubled to center. Berkman is up with 2 balls no strikes. Not sure why the game was delayed.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-56780116688618199922009-04-13T10:19:00.004-05:002009-04-13T10:23:39.992-05:00Pirates kick off home opener with a noon'er against the 'StrosBrian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Moehler</span> will try to recover from a bomb of a game last week. Zach Duke will try to keep control of the big 3. Zach Duke is so a fantasy sleeper. Nobody in Pitt gets credit except for Nate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McClouth</span>, who couldn't hit Tina Turner if he tried. OUCH, I'm going to hold my tongue on the what do you think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Moehler</span> is going to do today, etc. Let's just see what happens since it's still early. Literally, it's early for me.<br /><br />Today is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">noon'er</span> game. I will try to post an update around 1-2.<br /><br />Oh, hope everyone had a great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Easter</span>, here is a pic of the kids getting some egg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">huntin</span>' on<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Baby</span> momma left, me top, Peyton left, Malorie bottom, Kylie right.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQxbxyx6zxhre5Ki2au6-5dEUh1_nZSS1sgcPAW00iAqOVDwZ-WDHet53ydaiFgE48RLRZBtEPEDDlnY-_mwiiN9yuZ3oQH7wEYQX9c0F_A0_94L3CFaL6sga-70a77u8R_-Wq20-ExbF/s1600-h/DSC00078.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQxbxyx6zxhre5Ki2au6-5dEUh1_nZSS1sgcPAW00iAqOVDwZ-WDHet53ydaiFgE48RLRZBtEPEDDlnY-_mwiiN9yuZ3oQH7wEYQX9c0F_A0_94L3CFaL6sga-70a77u8R_-Wq20-ExbF/s320/DSC00078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324195531538492322" border="0" /></a>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-24844218085178878072009-04-12T23:53:00.000-05:002009-04-12T23:54:09.104-05:00The Unofficial has switched to a new template.Thought it looked a little neater and less confusing....or something like that. Let me know what you thinkThe Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-78771317586165615392009-04-12T23:30:00.002-05:002009-04-12T23:35:09.739-05:00Brocail hits the DL...Fulchino called upDoug <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brocail</span> never lies. At least about his injuries. the 13 time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DL'er</span> told Ed Wade and Cecil "The Incredible Hulk II" he was having trouble with his arm, and as a result, the veteran right-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hander</span> was placed on the 15-day disabled list with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rotator</span> cuff strain he was diagnosed with on Saturday. Sorry, I know this was on Saturday, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">i'm</span> playing "ketchup" at the office and tomorrow is hot dog Monday.<br /><br />Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Fulchino</span> got the call to join the big league club. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fulchino</span> started for the Express on Saturday, but anticipating they may need him, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Astros</span> put him on a strict pitch limit. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Fulchino</span> threw approximately 35 pitches over two innings, while Alberto Arias pitched the next 2 1/3 innings.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-47052433998633792212009-04-12T19:37:00.002-05:002009-04-12T20:04:59.318-05:00Lohse throw a 3 hitter. Astros Lose 3-0So on one hand i'm happy. I got Lohse off waivers yesterday in my Roto keeper league. On the other hand, it was a depressing series against the Redbird's. Is that one word or two? Anyhow, let's not beat around "the Busch" ha, ZINNNGG. I was kind of scared when the Astros lost to the Cubs but had all those homeruns. Guess I wasn't overly worried bacause it looked like the bats were connecting, mostly. Well have you noticed something? How about the RISP and left on base stats. It's still pretty early in the season to get all puffed up over a minimal amount of stats, but hell i'm already delving deep into em' in all my fantasy leagues, so, why not? Obviously we already know that the 'Stros lost 3-0, let's not talk about that much.<br /><br />The Astros are dead last in the NL in runs. 15th in the NL (out of 16 teams) in XBH's, and have left an ungodly amount of runners on base. At first, the Cub's game didn't scare me too much because, like I said, the 'Stros covered it with the schlama ding-dongs. There seems to be a trend happening thus far this season, the Astros aren't getting key hits, which means they aren't producing runs. Someone needs to step up, I know Berkman is hitting, he just isn't hitting a godly like .375 like he needs to be for the season. In time the luck will correct itself and the Astros should fly a little straighter, but for now, this is sickening. If this happens much longer, someone is going to have to get some fire lit under these guys. Wonder if Coop will turn into the Hulk again.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-91034367673949350742009-04-10T17:31:00.002-05:002009-04-10T17:34:39.878-05:00Sunday Match-up. Wan-Rod against Kyle Lohse<span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday April 12th</span><br /><a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434643"><br />Wan-Rod</a> will pair off against <a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=346798">Kyle Lohse</a>, who is coming off a stellar performance against Pittsburgh.<br /><br /><i>Scouting Report:</i><br /><b>Astros:</b> Rodriguez will stay on his regular schedule despite Thursday's off day. The lefty was 1-2 with a 1.11 ERA over four starts against the Cardinals in 2008, allowing three runs over 24 1/3 innings. In his career, Rodriguez is 2-6 with a 4.08 ERA against St. Louis. He's allowed 24 earned runs over 53 innings.<br /><br /><b>Cardinals:</b> It will be interesting to see how Lohse responds after a pretty tough assignment in his first start. He grinded out seven innings, with the last two being fairly eventful, and needed 108 pitches to do so. Those certainly aren't red-flag numbers, but Lohse did work hard on a chilly night early in the season. It's reasonable to expect him to show no ill effects, but if he does look a bit winded against Houston, his battle against the Pirates may partly explain it.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-24334660912728512022009-04-10T17:26:00.003-05:002009-04-10T17:31:15.676-05:00Saturday Match-upSaturday April 11th<br /><br /><a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=400061">Roy Oswalt</a> faces off against <a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=425794">Adam Wainwright</a> at Busch Stadium.<br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">Scouting Report:</i><br /><br /><b>Astros:</b> Oswalt will stay on schedule to pitch every fifth day, which pushes the fifth starter, Russ Ortiz, out of the rotation the first time through. Oswalt was 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA over two starts vs. the Cardinals last year. He is 9-6 with a 2.90 ERA in his career against St. Louis.<b>Cardinals:</b> Wainwright's first regular season start looked a lot like most of his games in the spring. There was plenty to like, starting with seven strikeouts. But there was also plenty to give pause, most notably five walks, tying a career high. Wainwright needed 94 pitches to get 16 outs, and that's not going to be good enough. He must be more efficient and get deeper into games.<br /><br /><b>Cardinals:</b> Wainwright's first regular season start looked a lot like most of his games in the spring. There was plenty to like, starting with seven strikeouts. But there was also plenty to give pause, most notably five walks, tying a career high. Wainwright needed 94 pitches to get 16 outs, and that's not going to be good enough. He must be more efficient and get deeper into games.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-84190483604783670702009-04-10T16:14:00.001-05:002009-04-10T16:15:49.143-05:00Astros claim Wilton Lopez from the PadresThe Astros added a right-handed pitcher to their organization on Friday, claiming Wilton Lopez off waivers from the Padres. They optioned him to Double-A Corpus Christi, and, to make room for him on the club's 40-man roster, transferred infielder Aaron Boone to the 60-day disabled list. <p> The 25-year-old Lopez has a 6-5 record and a 4.13 ERA and 16 saves over 111 relief appearances during three Minor League seasons with the Padres and Yankees organizations. In 2008, he pitched at three levels within the Padres farm system: Class A Lake Elsinore, Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Portland, making a combined 58 relief outings. </p> Lopez was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in 2002.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Anyone think this could be the PTBNL in the Keppinger deal?</span>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-67021769367023470012009-04-09T10:22:00.000-05:002009-04-09T10:24:42.351-05:00Lap top wantedSo, as stated the other day, I am going through some legal stuff for my kids, work is crazy and NOW all of a sudden my laptop screwed up. i know the problem and just need to get a new one. No sense in resurecting the dead. If anyone knows someone who wants to sell, trade or GIVE a lap top, let me know. I'm not looking for a hand out by any means, just something affordable in these weird times. If anyone points me in the right direction, I will make them an Unofficial Official, or something really cool!The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-22970287707392204532009-04-09T10:18:00.000-05:002009-04-09T10:22:19.923-05:00Brandon Backe throws like a girl...stillSo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Backe</span> may not be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Backe</span> for a while...or something like that. interpret it how you would like. Let's skip the part where I show you the article and give you my thoughts....so now for my thoughts......See ya <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Backe</span>....that's pretty much it in a nutshell. So he threw like 40 pitches and gave the cliche statement any pitcher gives when trying to re-bound from an injury....something to the effect of:<span style="font-style: italic;"> I was just trying to get used to the mound and re-acquaint myself with the rubber. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bla</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bla</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bla</span>.</span><br /><br />Honestly, I don't think we need him with the exception of when/if Hampton or Ortiz or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Moehler</span> or Wan-Rod or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Oswalt</span> gets hurt. OK, so we need him...damn it.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-11792838236414844102009-04-09T09:20:00.000-05:002009-04-09T09:44:47.142-05:00Next Up: Friday @ St LouisMike Hampton will make his first start of the year against Albert Pujols and company on Friday. Hampy is attempting to throw a complete season for the first time since 2004. After ending a strong 08' with the Braves and a decent spring training with the spacemen, Hampton has more confidence than ever, plus he uses Head & Shoulders, which helps. During ST Hampy Hamperton threw 30 innings with 22 K's and 7 free rides to candyland. More impressive was his 4.80 ERA. OK, it wasn't that impressive, but still, for a number 5 starter who is like 68 years old, pretty impressive.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Let's look at some lifetime stats against the Red Birds.</span><br /><br />Hampy has logged 150.1 IP's, 144 hits, 95 K's and a 3.71 ERA.<br />This is nothing spectacular by any means, but it is somewhat impressive given his career averages being a little bit higher against other teams. Don't look for Hampy to overwhelm anyone in the game, but he will provide enough support for the Astros to get something going offensively.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The tale of the tape: Joel Pineiro:</span><br /><br />Astros hitters have only logged 27 Ab's lifetime against Pineiro. The big 3 of Berkman, Lee and Tejada have pretty much owned Pineiro in the small snippet of AB's. Berk and Tejada are sluggin like 2.100000 against him. Hell, even Brandon Backe has a .333 avg against the guy. All of that really may not matter as Pineiro threw six scoreless innings on Monday to close out spring training. He was a former potential closer for Boston before Papelbon was well, before Papelbon was Papelbon. Pineiro was converted to a back end starter for the 2009 campaign. Pineiro's 6-2 record, 3.94 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 14 career games (13 starts) at Busch Stadium paints the picture of a match ups pitcher with minimal appeal.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Swami says:</span><br /><br />Look for the big 3 to mash against the Puerto Rican on Friday. Astros 6 Card's 4The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-15611112679201730662009-04-07T23:25:00.000-05:002009-04-07T23:51:30.656-05:00May Fortune Favor the Foolish.Another installment from Scott Barzilla</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">, very good read. Any Bill James fan is a friend of mine!</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> once again, thanks Scott.</span></span></span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt;">May Fortune Favor the Foolish<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt;">By Scott Barzilla<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; line-height: normal;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s hard to call Ed Wade foolish considering that the club nearly pulled off a miracle in 2008 and had a better draft than the club had had in years. However, a series of winter moves seem to be either head scratchers and/or duds. Toby Hall was brought in to solidify the catching situation. Oops. The club let Ty Wigginton go because he was too expensive only to see him sign for three million a season. Then, they quickly scooped up washed up third baseman Aaron Boone only to lose him to open heart surgery this spring. Despite all of these events, everything seems to be working out. The club has a significant upgrade at catcher with Ivan Rodriguez and presumably a defensive upgrade at third base with Jeff Keppinger and Geoff Blum.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Fielding is kind of a new wave in statistical analysis. Bill James and his ilk have pretty much pegged offense at this point in time, but we have a number of different approaches to fielding analysis. Part of that is dependent on how you approach fielding. Some look at pure volume of plays made while others look at percentage of plays made. My personal favorite is the Fielding Bible approach. John Dewan takes plays that other players at the position routinely make, sometimes make, and rarely make and then creates a +/- approach to the analysis. However, this isn’t to say that this is necessarily the best approach.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>One of the things we have learned across the board in fielding analysis is that players can have career seasons and slumps just like they can with the bat. Anyone that bases any analysis based on only one season deserves what they get with the glove or the bat. The Yankees seem to use this approach and they’ve been burned more than occasionally. You don’t have to be a seamhead to know that you better steer pretty clear of A.J. Burnett. Of course, the Yankees and Braves didn’t know that. Most reasonable people could see Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright’s meltdown coming a mile away. The same is true with hitters and fielders.<span style=""> </span>The Cubs are buying big into Milton Bradley after one great season in Texas. If you drafted Josh Hamilton in your fantasy draft then I wish you the best of luck.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>When we move back to fielding we look at one of the facets of baseball people rarely focus on. Who could blame them? A scant ten years ago you had about as good a chance of picking out a truly good fielder as winning at the roulette wheel. Sure, everyone can pick out the butchers and the best, but the in between is harder to peg. Now, those odds are a little better. Still, very few teams make moves based on the sabermetric fielding numbers I described above. The Astros may have lucked out based on everything that has happened. Since Morgan Ensberg melted down, the Astros have seen a collection of butchers man the position regularly. Mike Lamb and Ty Wigginton aren’t going to win any gold gloves. Before we look at 2009, we should look at how the old Astros did the last three seasons at the position.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span><center>INN<span style=""> </span>+/-<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ty Wigginton<span style=""> </span><CENTER>1573.2<span style=""> </span>-26<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Geoff Blum<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>854.1<span style=""> </span>+12<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Aaron Boone<span style=""> </span><CENTER>1024.0<span style=""> </span>-20<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Which of these don’t belong? Well, it would be the guy who is staying. Through their bumbling, the Astros managed to shed themselves of the two worst defensive options they had at third base. They replace them with Blum and Jeff Keppinger. Keppinger has a zero (average) rating at the position in over 250 innings over the last three seasons. So, a weakness has become a strength. Kaz Matsui has a good defensive pedigree even if he didn’t perform well last season and Miguel Tejada played inspired (for him) defense last season. Combine that with Lance Berkman (who is second to only Albert Pujols in defensive prowess) and you have one of the better defensive infields in baseball. Imagine what would have been if the Astros had any luck.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>On the other hand, the Astros probably considered the offensive numbers and they are beginning to change the high strikeout tendencies of their offense. Below we will look at last season’s lineup with their walks per 100 PA and strikeouts per 100 PA. Then, we will look at the current lineup assuming that Keppinger gets the majority the plate appearances at third base. Hopefully, this projects to the Astros having fewer slumps than they have had in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2008<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span><CENTER>SO/100<span style=""> </span>BB/100<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">CF Michael Bourn<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>21.60<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>7.20<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2B Kaz Matsui<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>12.56<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>8.77<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1B Lance Berkman<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>16.24<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>14.89<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LF Carlos Lee<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>10.19<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>7.69<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS Miguel Tejada<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>10.81<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>3.60<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">RF Hunter Pence<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>19.31<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>6.23<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3B Ty Wigginton<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>16.08<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>7.46<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C Brad Ausmus<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>16.40<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>10.00<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>When you only have two guys in the regular lineup that even draw ten walks in 100 plate appearances then things are bad. If you have three regulars that have three times as many strikeouts as walks it’s really bad. No wonder this team scores runs in bunches. We can only hope that things will be better with a little more contact in 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2009<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2B Kaz Matsui<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>12.56<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>8.77<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3B Jeff Keppinger<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>5.06<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>6.71<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1B Lance Berkman<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>16.24<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>14.89<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">LF Carlos Lee<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>10.19<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>7.69<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">RF Hunter Pence<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>19.31<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>6.23<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SS Miguel Tejada<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>10.81<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>3.60<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C<span style=""> </span>Ivan Rodriguez<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>16.34<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>3.81<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">CF Michael Bourn<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><CENTER>21.60<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>7.20<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style=""> </span>Pudge isn’t exactly an efficient hitter, so the talk of having him hit in the two hole is downright scary. Having Keppinger in the second spot is actually an appetizing thought. He isn’t a traditionally high OBP guy, but he will make contact. He is a great guy to do hit and runs with because he will put the ball in play. The key for this season is for Hunter Pence to continue improving as he did at the end of last season. Keppinger and Rodriguez are mixed blessings, but overall the lineup is better since Rodriguez and Bourn are able to hit near the bottom.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-15268892922348054192009-04-07T23:06:00.001-05:002009-04-07T23:20:35.432-05:00Astros top Cubs 3-2So, it's 11 at night. I found some time to get on here. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yay</span> me! (unenthusiastic)<br /><br />Here's the skinny from Yahoo:<br /><p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7414/;_ylt=Atr3HzSCUcZPIW4OoYAS0ny4u7YF">Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Keppinger</span></a>’s broken-bat single in the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> inning off closer <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7206/;_ylt=Apf820PAfyfiFRC5QafMpH64u7YF">Kevin Gregg</a> gave the <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/hou/;_ylt=AlBGIL_onjoQcu4h50BJzM64u7YF">Houston <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Astros</span></a> a 3-2 victory over the <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/chc/;_ylt=AtwWIeTo6FNPhaji0.veDby4u7YF">Chicago Cubs</a> on Tuesday night.</p> <p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7963/;_ylt=AlF2XoHL_lXTS1f5r018HaS4u7YF">Hunter Pence</a> homered and <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7828/;_ylt=AoNZVXemwNAiDTYouVVMH364u7YF">Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bourn</span></a> had an RBI single for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Astros</span>, who carried a 2-1 lead into the eighth before <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6154/;_ylt=AubJBS7OQKVQvMsFiIYtu3W4u7YF">Alfonso <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Soriano</span></a> hit a long home run off <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5336/;_ylt=AkaonyG7n8IlkCwdScldwUS4u7YF"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LaTroy</span> Hawkins</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4680/;_ylt=Ahaj_VjUnBMHMMhjTNMCiKS4u7YF">Ivan Rodriguez</a> opened the bottom of the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> with an infield single down the third-base line, his first hit with Houston after starting the season 0-for-7. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6279/;_ylt=AkTBJm09mnaI1l0EpjxXLe.4u7YF">Lance <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Berkman</span></a> followed with another single off <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7209/;_ylt=AtUSR861Tyb9mU4aKEwFTC24u7YF">Neal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cotts</span></a> (0-1) before Cubs manager Lou <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Piniella</span> brought in Gregg.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">First off, Hunter Pence, I screwed myself by not starting you tonight in my fantasy leagues (got him in 2 out of 4). I thought you were going to start off slow this year after your performance last night. I no longer have a man crush on you.</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Astros</span> piled 10 hits through 10 innings. Pretty impressive considering. Hitting .277 (.278 if you're a rounder) as a team is pretty impressive as well, considering.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"> Ah, do you smell it? No, it's not what the Rock is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cookin</span>, ya <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Jabroni</span>. It's the smell of seeing the ball, making contact and things happening. Wait, does that really have a smell?</p><p style="font-style: italic;">So my prediction of Lee being the game breaker wasn't true, so what? he went 0-4. Gulp, pride swallowed.</p><p style="font-style: italic;">Offensive player of the game: Hunter Pence</p><p style="font-style: italic;">Offensive suck of the game: P-Rod"less" (went 1-4 with 3 K's and left 2 guys on base)</p><p style="font-style: italic;">Pitcher of the game: Wan-Rod and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Valverde</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Wandy</span> had 4 K's and 3 free rides to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Candyland</span> in 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">IP</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Valverde</span> was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Valverde</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">K'ing</span> two in the ninth.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Next up: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Wednesay</span> VS Chicago Cubs - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Moehler</span> will take the mound against Ted Lilly.<br /></p>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-34988940818155872212009-04-07T18:48:00.000-05:002009-04-07T19:02:08.010-05:00I got some time!!! Next Game TonightWan-Rod is on the mound against Ryan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dempster</span>. The tale of the tape:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dempster</span>:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dempster</span> proved last season that you can go home again. He successfully made the transition back to starting and won a career-high 17 games. Named to the All-Star team, the right-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hander</span> became just the second pitcher since 1969 to record 25 or more saves in a season, then win at least 17 games the next year (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">baseballstats</span>). John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hiller</span> was the last to do so in 1973-74. There's no place like Wrigley Field for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dempster</span>, who was 14-3 at home. It's the most wins in Chicago since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fergie</span> Jenkins won a franchise-record 15 in 1967.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dempster</span> is 4-10 lifetime against the spacemen with a 4.50 ERA over the course of 122 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">IP's</span>. Look for him to have a mediocre game against the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Stros</span> tonight.</span><br /><br />Wan-Rod:<br /><br />Rodriguez has won nine games in each of his four Major League seasons and ranks in the top 10 among all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">NL</span> left-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">handers</span> in wins (sixth), innings pitched (ninth) and opponents batting average (seventh) during that span. Rodriguez was 5-5 with a 2.99 ERA over 14 home starts in 2008, and he posted three months with a sub-3.00 ERA: April (2.31), June (2.30) and September (1.38).<br /><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Wan-Rod really needs a good start to the year. If he can get the confidence wheels rolling, I see him winning 13 games +/- this year. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Wandy</span> is 4-4 with a 4.68 ERA lifetime against the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cubbies</span>. With that being said about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Wandy</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Dempster</span>, look for this game to be won in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">batters</span> box.<br /><br /><br /></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Astros</span> Lineup against the Cubs (in no particular order):<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Berkman</span> .240<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Bourn</span> .341 (in 41 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">AB's</span>)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Blum</span> .225<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Keppinger</span> .343<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Matsui</span> .275<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Tejada</span> .349 (in 68 AB'S)<br />Pence .283<br />Lee .310<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />That's all I have time for, but you get the point. Look for Lee to be the deciding factor in the game tonight for the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Stros</span>. Wow, I did this in 5 minutes. Like I said earlier, sorry for the hiatus I HAVE to take. I will be posting but it won't be the in depth, good stuff. Good luck and thanks to the guys that sent me some emails. I am looking at adding one-two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">bloggers</span> to keep this thing going! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Email</span> me if you want to help!<br /></span>The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-20715782193729853832009-04-07T10:35:00.000-05:002009-04-07T10:37:42.741-05:00Astros Lose....and i'm on hiatusSo, I vowed to never do this, but I must take a break. I just started a custody case for my kids and on top of that everyone and their mom are ordering appraisals. I have absolutely no time. Stay up to date with <a href="http://astroscounty.blogspot.com/">Astros County</a> until further notice. Oh and the Astros lost 4-2 to the Cubs.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-62124558737147481202009-04-03T10:44:00.000-05:002009-04-03T10:45:08.092-05:00Gone fishin'be back tomorrow. Today is toooooo pretty to worry about Astros stuff. Will upload a pic of whatever I catch. I hear Lake Houston has some nice white Bass.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111958290701887157.post-88239164657331058042009-04-02T10:30:00.000-05:002009-04-02T10:32:08.638-05:00Thanks for the success.The Unofficial Astros Blog has reached 13,120 visitors as of now since early March of this year. Thanks to all the readers.The Unofficial Officialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12475269691575629457noreply@blogger.com1