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0 Subject: Houston Astros Discussion

Posted by: Pearl St. Punisher
- Donor [5261117] Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 15:34

Well, being one that is not afraid to steal a good idea(thanks Ref!), I would like to start up a thread where 'Stros fans can brag, vent, cry tears of joy and pain.

Personally, I would like to start it off with some venting about the bullpen or should I call it, the cowpen. They are getting milked lately. Dotel and Wagner need to find their old groove of 6 straight K's to finish off a game.

There is your topic, discuss amongst yourselves.

-Punisher
1Jupiter
      ID: 531091518
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 16:29
Saw Oswalt verses Dempster on Wednesday down here in S Florida. Oswalt is much shorter than I thought. Had the marlins totally fooled on his breaking pitches. Almost looked like little league where kids fell back on their butts and the ball was a called strike. Very impressive fastball in the 93-95 area in the 7th.

When he left the relievers left the door open and almost let the Marlins back in the game.

Since I was one of only 5000 there at the stadium, I had a nice view of the action.
2biliruben
      Sustainer
      ID: 3502218
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 16:52
What's the deal at SS for you fellers? I had heard Hock a Loogie pretty much would get the full time gig after was-his-names' demotion, but retread visciano has gotten the start the last coupla nights. What's the deal?
3Sludge
      Sustainer
      ID: 113368
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 16:56
As an Astros fan, it pains me to say that I don't think this is the Astros year. Not "not their year" as in "they won't win the World Series", but as in "they probably won't make the playoffs". Too much young talent, methinks. If they can hold on to that young talent, and they develop into good ballplayers, the future looks bright.
4Sludge
      Sustainer
      ID: 113368
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 16:58
Oh yeah. Almost forgot to mention. I hope to Hell that I'm dead wrong. And Fox Sports is really starting to piss me off by not showing the Astros when they say they are going to and instead showing the Rangers 3 hours before or after.
5Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 83192217
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 16:59
Jimy's mad because Lugo missed a bunt sign and hit into a rally ending DP 2 nights ago. Lugo has to get used to a coach that actually uses fundamentals and strategy.

Jimy's take is that, hey, Vizcaino practices hard and is a gamer, so hey, why not give him some PT. Nobody else at SS is stepping up.
6Rogue's Strikers
      ID: 29336264
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 17:00
Here's a question for you Astros fans, why is Daryle Ward still batting 6th? You got Brad Ausmus and his .250 AVG/.307 OBP hitting 2nd, and Ward is stuck in the 6 hole with a .354 AVG/.381 OBP. Doesn't make alot of sense to me...
7biliruben
      Sustainer
      ID: 3502218
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 17:06
Thanks, Gangman.

Sludge - Personally, I think if Wade Miller comes back healthy and Wagner is even a shadow of his former self, you fellers have a heck of a good chance at the post season, with all those good bats.
8Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 83192217
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 17:13
Ward is a "man without a place". He's too slow to bat 2nd, and in the 6 hole, he frequently comes up with the bases cleared by Hidalgo, or batting first after Hidalgo whiffs.

Personally, I wish we could trade DW for a good fielding, Lofton type centerfielder that could lead off, move Berkman to left where he belongs, bat Biggio 2nd, Ensberg 6th.

Roger Cedeno was supposed to be the guy, but he came up short in the defense and average depts.
9biliruben
      Sustainer
      ID: 3502218
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 17:17
Have the Dodgers got a guy for you! You can have your choice of Marquis or Roberts.
10Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 83192217
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 17:31
Too bad we don't still have Lofton :-)

Here's a current TSN team of some Ex Astros:

P - Randy Johnson
P - Curt Schilling
P - Freddy Garcia
P - Daryl Kile
RP - Mike Williams
C - Mitch Melusky
1B - Phil Nevin
2B - Carlos Guillen (I know he's listed as a SS)
SS - Ricky Guttierrez
3B - Chris Truby
OF - Carl Everett, Kenny Lofton, Steve Finley, Luis Gonzales, Roger Cedeno, Moises Alou (pick 3)

Not shabby. Amazing how much talent we've let go of.
11Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 36155210
      Fri, Apr 26, 2002, 18:17
Also, I am guessing that Carlos Hernandez
may be the next big cheapie. He's rounding
into form, has dropped to 860K and looked
great in his last start.

This kid has nasty stuff. He draws Albie Lopez
in ATL on Sunday. I've picked him up on the
hunch.
12Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Sat, Apr 27, 2002, 22:39
Hernandez could be a good hunch. I'm hoping in turns into someone like Odalis Perez. Carlos is only 2 years younger, and both came into the league at about 20-21.

I'm gonna try him out as an experiment. Can't go worse than my experiment with Byrd today. :(

-Punisher
13Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 58238278
      Sun, Apr 28, 2002, 16:38
You heard it here first...

Hernandez:

7IP 4H 0R 0ER 1BB 6K W-(2-0)

I'll take it!

14BillB
      Sustainer
      ID: 46372820
      Sun, Apr 28, 2002, 20:39
Nice call, Gangman...wanted to go to him after Jensen's disaster last night; settled for El Duque instead. Well, the $$$ were worth it, anyway...
15 flake
      Donor
      ID: 43382014
      Sun, Apr 28, 2002, 21:59
Here's my proposed lineup for the 'stros.

Bagwell - leadoff - OBP - speed - power
Biggio - bunt him over
D. Ward (think of all the fastballs he will get)
Berkman - clean up city
Hidalgo - still at # 5 or switch with # 6
Ensberg (seen his new Baggy-stance?)
Lugo - used to hit well ...
Zaun - protects his pitcher
Pitcher slot
16Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 23272822
      Sun, Apr 28, 2002, 22:36
Baggy the leadoff man. That's funny.
17Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 01:20
Gangman: great pick with Hernandez. Though I did ponder it heavily, I never pulled the trigger, mostly because I need some money from Byrd.

Hernandez is gonna gain some momentum from that start and I'm looking at picking him up next week.

I also like the way Ward has been Mr. Steady. He has been hitting all season, but the power numbers are gonna start coming real soon.

-Punisher
18Stuck in the Sixties
      Leader
      ID: 183552620
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 20:32
Zaun needs more playing time. Ausmus is killing the offense!
19Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 58238278
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 22:41
Anyboby else going out tomorrow night to "Astros Field" for the Oswalt vs. Vasquez scuffle? It's dollar Coke and hot dog night as well.

I'll be there... should be great baseball.
20Rogue's Strikers
      ID: 113362722
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 22:45
I'm hoping for a 2-1 Oswalt win (CG with about 10 K's), and with 2 HR from Ward and 1 from Vlad. :)
21biliruben
      Sustainer
      ID: 3502218
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 22:50
Vlad the destroyer is gonna tear up that munchkin, tomorrow!
22Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 58238278
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 23:21
Looks like biliruben has got Vlad.

Going to the munchkin card on Roy O, eh?

I'll wager you $5.00 to the Guru via Paypal that Roy gets the better of Vlad.

Don't know how to judge it, but if it's conclusive, I'll be a gentleman and honor the wager.
23biliruben
      Sustainer
      ID: 3502218
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 23:29
Okeydoke, gangmonster. Since I was the one talking smack, I'll set pretty liberal terms.

Anything less than Vlad:
- batting .500 with at least one extra base hit, or
- a dinger,

and I will lose. Fair?

24Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 58238278
      Mon, Apr 29, 2002, 23:56
You bet (get it?)

If he goes 1 for and Roy doesn't whiff him, we'll call it a push.
25Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 272101914
      Tue, Apr 30, 2002, 23:28
Just returned from the game:

Oswalt had one of the worst outings of his career even though he pitched 7 he was extremely shaky. Poor control and bad "stuff".

Meanwhile, Jasquez was awesome. 93 - 95mph and an 81 mph change had the Stro's off balance the whole night.

Vlad hit one ball hard...right into Hidalgo's glove....the home scorer gifted Hidalgo by calling it a hit. No Way.

The most impressive stick was Vidro. He crushed the ball and had a typical Vidro night 2-4 with a 3B and an RBI. He's my most consistent player in TSN.

Barrett, on the other hand looked out of sync and weak.

There you have it.

biliruben... I'd call it a push.
26Steve Biz
      Donor
      ID: 73382515
      Tue, Apr 30, 2002, 23:56
A push? 1-4 with a double that should have been a hit-on-error. Certainly seems like Oswalt had the best of Vlad tonight, even if he did not get the best of the Spos.
27Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 58238278
      Wed, May 01, 2002, 00:07
Only a push because it was not domination by Roy O.... and Vlad did get credit for the tainted double.
28Chris
      ID: 24910517
      Wed, May 01, 2002, 00:15
A push, you guys both donate $5 to the Guru :)
29biliruben
      Sustainer
      ID: 231045110
      Wed, May 01, 2002, 00:56
I agree. 1-4 didn't back up my smack. I lose.
30Gman15
      Leader
      ID: 44961510
      Wed, May 01, 2002, 09:28
Does anyone have any insight on Dave Mlicki? I know he is a Detroit retread, but he is scoring a ton of TSNP lately. Is he for real or just pitching way over his head? I looked around for discussion in any threads re: cheapie pitchers, but didn't find anything.
31Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 5261117
      Wed, May 01, 2002, 11:37
about Mlicki: I'm not so sure if he is for real, as in consistent. He has become more comfortable now with Zaun as his "personal" catcher. As long as he keeps his pitches down in the strike zone, he can give you 6-7 good innings. If he starts hanging his changeup, watch out!

-Punisher
32Gman15
      Leader
      ID: 44961510
      Wed, May 01, 2002, 17:50
Thanks PSP - I might pick Mlicki up in the near future if I see a favorable match-up. I didn't think anything drastic had occurred with him (new pitches, etc.), but it's nice to hear perspective from the fans that see him live.
33Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Fri, May 03, 2002, 01:23
Killer B's back in full effect. Biggio, Bagwell and Berkman get off today.

-Punisher
34Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Sat, May 04, 2002, 13:28
Trying out Hernandez today, as a cheapie alternative to Tomko/Padilla/whoever.

Hoping for something good. My luck has to turn around sometime.?

-Punisher
35FloodCity Johnnies
      ID: 15430416
      Sat, May 04, 2002, 16:30
Hey Punisher - I took a flyer on Hernandez too. I think he's still a sleeper, but starting to show some upward price moment. They have been limiting his pitch count, but with his control, has been getting good innings. I think if he has a good outing tonight, he'll be a big choo-choo next week.
36Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Sun, May 05, 2002, 00:02
can't bitch!!

Carlos Hernandez with a good game. numbers follow:

IP/H/R/ER/BB/SO
C. Hernandez 7 4 1 1 3 8

Big fan, for .920 million.

woohoo!!
-Punisher

37Gangman
      Leader
      ID: 1344459
      Sun, May 05, 2002, 09:52
Hmmm ... 117 for Carlos.

Still a differentiation pick ...up only 80K since I
propped him. But his 130 and 117 BtoB sure
look good!

One more good outing and he may hit the
Lemdar.
38Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 5261117
      Thu, May 09, 2002, 13:00
Hernandez will officially be the next $$ train, if he pulls out another 100+ pts. Here's hoping he gets 99, and stays off the lemdar.

also, just how far can Oswalt's price go down? I never thought it would go below 5 mil. He finally evened out at 4.85 mil today. Grabbing him and keeping him. Screw it!

-Punisher
-Punisher
39Jello Biafra
      ID: 12392015
      Thu, May 09, 2002, 13:07
Oswalt bottomed out yesterday and stayed even today. That means he'll gain money tomorrow. If you look at KKB's chart for today it bears this out. He'll be dropping his biggest negative day and picking up some sells from today on tomorrow's prices.

I'm trying to decide whether to buy Hernandez or Oswalt for this weekend. Only one trade left and I'd like to use it on someone I can hold for a while - like Oswalt. Of course, Hernandez has the potential to be a big train if he pitches well tomorrow. But if he gets shelled, he won't be obviously. I guess the safe move is Oswalt.
40Jello Biafra
      ID: 12392015
      Thu, May 09, 2002, 13:11
Sorry. I think I read that chart wrong. Oswalt might have one more day of losses or no gain.
41Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Mon, May 13, 2002, 10:59
hopefully going back to "Astros" Field will wake the offense up. The pitching has been decent, but there has been no run support this past week. We made Duckworth look like the second coming of Clemens.

-Punisher
42gibby88
      ID: 50301113
      Mon, May 13, 2002, 17:41
Bagwell is going to go off over this
homestand...just a hunch....

But one I am putting 6 Million + on...

*crosses fingers
43gibby88
      ID: 50301113
      Mon, May 13, 2002, 17:47
Bagwell is going to go off over this
homestand...just a hunch....

But one I am putting 6 Million + on...

*crosses fingers
44Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 5261117
      Tue, May 14, 2002, 11:25
the sleeping bats have awoken to a thunderous beat..........

(biased opinion) I wouldn't want to start Padilla against the 'Stros right about now. I think they are on the verge of a serious hot streak.

-Punisher
45Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 5261117
      Wed, May 15, 2002, 11:53
BUTT, just for the Padilla owners. ;)

let's see what happens tonite between the 2 youngsters, Padilla and Hernandez.

I'm hoping Carlos has a good enough game to keep the money train rolling.

-Punisher
46Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 5261117
      Fri, May 17, 2002, 18:01
Well, it seems as though the Astros have gotten off the schnide. Starting pitching is doing great, and the relievers are finally relieving. Biggio and Berkman are hitting.

I really believe, if all of their big bats (i.e. Bagwell, Berkman, Biggio, Hidalgo, Ward) can get hot at the same time, it would be a scary situation for the NL.

-Punisher
47StingRay
      ID: 47283023
      Sun, May 19, 2002, 20:03
Will the streak continue? We sure hope so....Hitting and pitching are a wonderful thing. Astros go for #8 tonight....GO 'STROS!!!!
48Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 5261117
      Mon, May 20, 2002, 13:41
well, they lost yesterday, but 6-1 on the homestand ain't too bad!! And, we have our two hottest pitchers, Oswalt and Hernandez, going against St. Louis, and then we face the vicious Cubbies offense.

I'm trying to get to Houston to catch the Memorial Day matchup of Oswalt and Kile. Should be a good rematch of this Wednesday's game.

-Punisher
49Pearl St. Punisher
      Donor
      ID: 343232421
      Tue, May 28, 2002, 00:40
jeez, how a week can change things!!

'Stros can't seem to get consistent.

So far, I'm not a big fan of Jimy Williams as manager. He doesn't really handle the staff real well. The bats can't get off the schnide. Minus Berkman.

-Punisher
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