Astros at Mets: Game 2

(08/23/2008)

5:11

Unofficial Scorer:

Facing Mets righty John Maine:
1. Darin Erstad (RF)
2. Michael Bourn (CF)
3. Miguel Tejada (SS)
4. Lance Berkman (1B)
5. Geoff Blum (3B)
6. Ty Wigginton (LF)
7. David Newhan (2B)
8. Humberto Quintero (C)
9. Brandon Backe (P)

Lefties are hitting just .223 against John Maine compared to the .228 that righties are hitting. But lefties have an OPS 93 points higher, so Cecil Cooper stacked the lineup with lefties.

A struggling Hunter Pence gets a day off.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:11 Unofficial Scorer

5:31

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Looks like a fun lineup. Newhan hits only when he starts. Bourn tripled last time he had a chance. Wiggy hits all day long now. Blummie has a load off his mind. Brandon hits better than he pitches (hope he gets the cycle...hitting that is). Oh, and Puma, watch out, Caballo is about to catch you with the BA.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:31 wags

5:40

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Noticed Wally Bell is working the plate tonight. Please no lightning storms.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:40 wags

5:41

Unofficial Scorer:

All I know is that it was an absolutely perfect day at Saratoga for the Travers and such, and that's not all that far from New York City. 200 miles maybe. They should be fine.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:41 Unofficial Scorer

5:44

Unofficial Scorer:

For the Mets, it's another day of seven left-handed-batting position players against a right-handed pitcher. Just David Wright and John Maine hit from the right side.

1. Jose Reyes (SS)
2. Argenis Reyes (2B)
3. David Wright (3B)
4. Carlos Delgado (1B)
5. Carlos Beltran (CF)
6. Daniel Murphy (LF)
7. Ryan Church (RF)
8. Brian Schneider (C)
9. John Maine (P)

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:44 Unofficial Scorer

5:45

Unofficial Scorer:

And that's not good news for the Astros as Brandon Backe gives up a .302 average to left-handed bats and a .925 OPS.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:45 Unofficial Scorer

5:45

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Bet he doesn't give up 11 runs tonight.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:45 wags

5:47

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Bet he gives up 7 runs tonight.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:47 dack

5:48

[Comment From native_astronative_astro: ]

This is a huge game for Backe! I don't know how much more of this the Astros will take. I've noiced that Alberto Arias the guy that we pickd up off waivers from the Rockies is starting now in AAA and doing well. I hope for Backe sake that he keeps it under 8 runs tonight.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:48 native_astro

5:48

[Comment From wagswags: ]

I'll hold my "I stand corrected" comment until absolutely necessary. Hope it's not too early in the game.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:48 wags

5:50

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Thanks for the ground rules, Z.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:50 wags

5:52

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

hey guys

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:52 Alyse

5:54

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Maine is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA against the Astros in 3 starts for his career.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:54 dack

5:55

Unofficial Scorer:

Interesting point. Here's some more on Maine as we sit 15 minutes from game time on what is supposed to be a clear night in Queens:

He's starting to prove that last year's success was no fluke.

In three seasons as a Met, the right-hander hasn't had an ERA over 4 in any of them, and is 31-22 (.585).

The hope for the Astros is that Maine struggles down the stretch like he did last year. But that's been hardly the case, as he's given up three hits and no runs over 10 innings in his last two starts.

He has a little trouble with the strike zone, with eight walks over those 10 innings and high walk numbers all season. But he keeps the hits down and gets a lot of strikeouts, allowing him to be a successful starter.

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:55 Unofficial Scorer

5:56

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Its also rivef dance night at thr stadium

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:56 Alyse

6:02

[Comment From wagswags: ]

I've already heard at least one low-flying airplane on the radiocast.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:02 wags

6:02

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Like the ground rules Z, you're right last night got a little out of hand. Sorry about that.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:02 Guest

6:03

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

Z - do you think the Stros will trade away anyone before Aug 31?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:03 SJ

6:03

Unofficial Scorer:

No, I think they're done making moves in either direction.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:03 Unofficial Scorer

6:04

[Comment From wagswags: ]

So Jose Castillo is the exclamation point?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:04 wags

6:05

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

the cherry on top, so to speak

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:05 SJ

6:05

[Comment From wagswags: ]

good one, SJ

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:05 wags

6:07

Unofficial Scorer:

Here's a hypothetical: Let's say the .500 Astros finish .500, eight games better than last year, with absolutely zero help from the farm system. Was the Wade regime's first year a success?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:07 Unofficial Scorer

6:08

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Without getting to the playoffs, this year is not a success.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:08 dack

6:08

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

In a way yes & in a way no.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:08 Alyse

6:09

[Comment From wagswags: ]

it's a step in the right direction, but not a full-fledged success.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:09 wags

6:09

Unofficial Scorer:

I agree with you, dack, I just have a hard time saying to Ed Wade, you have to make this team 17 games better with zero help from the farm system in order for us to consider your first season successful.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:09 Unofficial Scorer

6:09

Unofficial Scorer:

Anyway, game on.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:09 Unofficial Scorer

6:10

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

i agree with wags - probably an incomplete grade

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:10 SJ

6:10

Unofficial Scorer:

The Astros get it started with Darin Erstad, Michael Bourn and Lance Berkman, the last of whom is 2-for-11 with four strikeouts and a homer against Maine.

Only four of the Astros in the starting lineup have faced him, and they're a combined 4-for-21 (.190) against him.

A strike and a ball to Erstad, and we're under way.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:10 Unofficial Scorer

6:11

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Strike out to Erstad.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:11 Alyse

6:11

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

even though that was a tough strikeout, how much better is erstad than palmerio? I give Wade credit for that move

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:11 SJ

6:12

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Hopefully the night off for Hunter, will help him out a little.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:12 Alyse

6:12

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Two lead off hitters. Interesting line up.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:12 AstroFan

6:12

[Comment From dackdack: ]

That's true. It wasn't all Wade's fault. But the previous regime did most of the damage to the farm system. That's probably why I'd give him another year to make it work.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:12 dack

6:12

Unofficial Scorer:

And the two leadoff hitters faced eight pitches and didn't look particularly good on any of them. Miguel Tejada makes it a very quick first with a groundout.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:12 Unofficial Scorer

6:13

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

1-2-3 first inning. Z, why can't the Astros leadoff hitters get on base most of the time?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:13 Alyse

6:13

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

What do we do next year with Bourn. He looks lost. Bad!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:13 Adam

6:13

[Comment From wagswags: ]

mets no-hitter intact

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:13 wags

6:14

Unofficial Scorer:

Brandon Backe's been here before, trying to bounce back from an 11 ER start last time out.

In fact after today, he'll be one of two pitchers of the last half-century to have two such bounce-back starts in the same season.

He had trouble with both hits and walks in that last start against Arizona, but could be encouraged by his last start against the Mets, a 7-3 win in which he went six and allowed three runs.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:14 Unofficial Scorer

6:14

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Maybe send him to hitting bootcamp, this offseason.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:14 Alyse

6:14

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

We're are saving our strength. we don't score very early, especially off a good pitcher.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:14 AstroFan

6:15

Unofficial Scorer:

Jose & Argenis Reyes and David Wright lead it off for the Mets in the first inning, which is like two four-letter words for Brandon Backe.

26 first innings, 26 runs in those first innings.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:15 Unofficial Scorer

6:15

[Comment From dackdack: ]

I never thought Bourn could be this bad. Serious overestimation of his hitting ability

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:15 dack

6:16

[Comment From wagswags: ]

frst inng

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:16 wags

6:16

Unofficial Scorer:

You're lucky I didn't censor that.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:16 Unofficial Scorer

6:16

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Yeah, but we do need to score runs in the first, it helps to score in the first. It seems to give our pitchers more confidence.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:16 Alyse

6:17

[Comment From wagswags: ]

sorry, fell off the chair

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:17 wags

6:18

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

If Wiggy had played all year at 3rd, he woul have 20+ HR's right now.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:18 Adam

6:18

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Meaning not being in the DL...

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:18 Adam

6:18

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

or having to sit so blum could play...

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:18 Adam

6:19

[Comment From wagswags: ]

wiggy tends to turn it on toward the end of the season

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:19 wags

6:19

Unofficial Scorer:

Probably true. As it is, they have 17 homers from that spot on the field, counting only what Wigginton/Blum/Loretta, etc. have done as third baseman. Not great HR production from a hitting position, but not terrible.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:19 Unofficial Scorer

6:20

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Yeah, never thought Wigginton would be our 3rd best hitter this year, especially with Pence's rookie year start and Tejada hitting at MMP this year

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:20 dack

6:20

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

That pitch just showed Backe throwing 97 mph. HA! I think the gun is off

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:20 Adam

6:21

[Comment From wagswags: ]

brandon makes it through the 1st!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:21 wags

6:21

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

a 1-2-3 for Backe, a good start for him so far.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:21 Alyse

6:21

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Nice strikeout of Wright. Good start.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:21 dack

6:22

Unofficial Scorer:

I would agree with you. He gets a rare 1-2-3 first, surviving a long at-bat to David Wright on his 15th pitch of the game. Backe was going heavy with the high fastballs but got Wright on a nice change of pace.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:22 Unofficial Scorer

6:22

Unofficial Scorer:

The important thing from Backe that inning was that he got behind the two really good hitters, Reyes I and Wright, and came back to retire both of them.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:22 Unofficial Scorer

6:22

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Now we need some run support for Backe.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:22 Alyse

6:23

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

We need to score about 12 runs!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:23 Adam

6:24

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Nice double for Berkman. Beltran looked really lost & confused.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:24 Alyse

6:24

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Now Blummer up to the plate.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:24 Alyse

6:24

[Comment From wagswags: ]

thanks, Beltran

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:24 wags

6:24

[Comment From GlennGlenn: ]

Backe has been inconsistent all year.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:24 Glenn

6:26

Unofficial Scorer:

With that double, Lance Berkman is tied for the National League lead with Nate McLouth at 39. But more importantly, he touches home to give the Astros a 1-0 lead on a Blum single.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:26 Unofficial Scorer

6:26

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Sweeet!!!!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:26 AstroFan

6:26

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Nice hit for Blummer & Puma scores.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:26 Alyse

6:26

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Good hit for Backe. Almost made a baserunning mistake though.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:26 dack

6:27

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

blum has been money lately

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 SJ

6:27

[Comment From wagswags: ]

radio says the ump gave blum a break

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 wags

6:27

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Also nice baserunning for both Blum & Puma. Now Wiggy.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 Alyse

6:27

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Now its time for a hard hard hard slide into 2nd to take out Reyes, the 2nd baseman after he crashed into Blum

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 Adam

6:27

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Blum has been a good addition for Wade. Yet that 2005 World Series HR will haunt me forever.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 dack

6:27

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Safe at first.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 Alyse

6:27

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Nice! I called it!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:27 Adam

6:28

[Comment From dackdack: ]

That was too close for the ump to call interference.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:28 dack

6:28

[Comment From wagswags: ]

anyone would have HRed off Zeke

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:28 wags

6:28

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Anyone know whatever happened to Zeke?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:28 dack

6:28

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea, that guy was not a good pitcher.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:28 Alyse

6:29

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

i think he is in the rangers organization, i think.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:29 Alyse

6:30

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Q, up to the plate, he's been hitting pretty good here of late.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:30 Alyse

6:30

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Yeah, not a good organization to be a pitcher right now even with Nolan Ryan there

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:30 dack

6:30

[Comment From native_astronative_astro: ]

Zeke was in the Rangers organization but not anymore. Working at Best Buy?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:30 native_astro

6:31

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

not at the best buy that i go to.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:31 Alyse

6:31

Unofficial Scorer:

As the Astros go down in the first following the Blum single and ensuing take-out slide at second base, here comes Team Carlos.

The two Carloses, Delgado and Beltran, who I mentioned yesterday hit Roy Oswalt well, also hit Backe well.

The two of them are a combined 8-for-22 (.364) with an OPS of .989.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:31 Unofficial Scorer

6:32

[Comment From wagswags: ]

from wikipedia: Astacio was claimed off of waivers by the Texas Rangers on March 26, 2007, but he failed to make the team following spring training.[1] After clearing waivers, Astacio was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks. After signing with the Cincinnati Reds organization, Astacio was released before pitching in a game.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:32 wags

6:32

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Wished Q could hit more pitches to the opposite field

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:32 dack

6:33

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Thanks wags

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:33 Alyse

6:33

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Thanks for the info. That Wagner trade didn't work out too well did it?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:33 dack

6:33

[Comment From wagswags: ]

it did for the rockies

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:33 wags

6:34

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Your right about that, wags

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:34 dack

6:34

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

how did the rockies benefit on that trade - i forget how it all went down

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:34 SJ

6:35

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Strike out for Backe

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:35 Alyse

6:35

[Comment From wagswags: ]

they got taylor buchholz among others for jennings

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:35 wags

6:35

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

out number 2

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:35 Alyse

6:35

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Two K's for Backe. Maybe the good one showed up tonight!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:35 AstroFan

6:36

Unofficial Scorer:

The high fastball, always a staple for Backe, has been good to him today. Whether setting up the strikeout of Wright, getting the strikeout of Delgado or getting the fly ball from Beltran.

Two outs here in the second.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:36 Unofficial Scorer

6:37

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

I'm listening on the radio, so I was going to ask how Backe's stuff looks tonight. Thanks for the preemptive answer, Z.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:37 Andy O

6:37

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

I think he has the ability, but he has really frustrated me this year with his results

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:37 AstroFan

6:38

Unofficial Scorer:

Looks good. While the gun was wrong if it ever said 97, he's gotten by just fine on 88-91. Backe's retired the first six he's faced as we head to the third.

A very manageable 27 pitches through two.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:38 Unofficial Scorer

6:39

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Z, what percentage chance do you give Erstad to be back with the team in 09?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:39 Kyle

6:39

[Comment From wagswags: ]

brandon might get 11 outs before giving up 11 runs tonight

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:39 wags

6:40

Unofficial Scorer:

40 percent for Erstad. The reserved spots are Pence, Lee and like it or not, Bourn. Brian McTaggart knows the system better than I do, but I'm not sure there are two guys they're high enough on not to sign Erstad again. But of course, there are going to be at least a dozen teams in need of outfielders.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:40 Unofficial Scorer

6:41

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

I agree with your OF assessment. I just think that Erstad is a great insurance policy for Bourn. So I hope he resigns.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:41 Kyle

6:41

[Comment From dackdack: ]

I think if Erstad wants to be back here next year, the Astros should find a way to keep him

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:41 dack

6:43

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

i agree with dack - erstad is good for this team as a 4th OF that can step in and start

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:43 SJ

6:43

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

time for a bunt from bourn

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:43 Adam

6:43

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

good spot for bourn here

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:43 SJ

6:44

[Comment From dackdack: ]

I guess everyone is expecting a bunt here

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:44 dack

6:44

[Comment From at workat work: ]

i expect a strikeout but he'll probably bunt

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:44 at work

6:44

[Comment From dackdack: ]

good bunt, bourn

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:44 dack

6:44

Unofficial Scorer:

A Michael Bourn sacrifice puts two in scoring position with one out for Tejada and Berkman.

Meanwhile, Brandon Backe's hit was his 13th of the season. No Astro has had more than 13 in a season in the 2000s.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:44 Unofficial Scorer

6:45

Unofficial Scorer:

No Astros pitcher, that is.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:45 Unofficial Scorer

6:45

Unofficial Scorer:

Mike Hampton had 23 in 1999, which is the most any Astros pitcher has ever had in a season, as Miguel Tejada falls behind in the count.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:45 Unofficial Scorer

6:45

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

What's the record for hits in a season by an Astro pitcher?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:45 Kyle

6:46

Unofficial Scorer:

Good question. Good to see we were on the same wavelength.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:46 Unofficial Scorer

6:46

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

thanks for reading my mind

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:46 Kyle

6:46

[Comment From wagswags: ]

miggy's first RBI since .....?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:46 wags

6:47

Unofficial Scorer:

Falling behind in the count didn't stop Geoff Blum in the second, and it doesn't stop Miguel Tejada here in the third, as he drives in run No. 2.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 Unofficial Scorer

6:47

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Time for a Berkman hr

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 Adam

6:47

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

haha

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 Adam

6:47

Unofficial Scorer:

And Lance Berkman gets the boos going in New York and the cheers going in Houston with a three-run shot the opposite way. 5-0 Houston.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 Unofficial Scorer

6:47

[Comment From at workat work: ]

puma puma puma puma puma puma puma puma

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 at work

6:47

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

sweet

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 SJ

6:47

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Yes, Berkman!!!!!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 dack

6:47

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

3 run bomb!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 Kyle

6:47

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

woohoo

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:47 Adam

6:48

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

we still need 7 runs just to be safe!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:48 Adam

6:48

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

The famous Earl Weaver game changer

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:48 rick roberts in key west

6:49

[Comment From at workat work: ]

backe most likely will find a way to give up a 6-run bomb next inning

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:49 at work

6:49

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

I'm loving the clutch hits today

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:49 Andy O

6:49

[Comment From wagswags: ]

mets miss a no-hitter again

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:49 wags

6:49

Unofficial Scorer:

For a little factual housekeeping, it's Miguel Tejada's first RBI in 11 days, since Aug. 12 against the Giants. It's just his fourth this month.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:49 Unofficial Scorer

6:49

Unofficial Scorer:

And that's 7,442 in a row, wags.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:49 Unofficial Scorer

6:51

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Only 4 HRS since the All-Star break for Berkman? I wonder if the Derby messed up his swing?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:51 dack

6:51

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Ty, one on...

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:51 rick roberts in key west

6:51

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Lance broke the Maine curse.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:51 AstroFan

6:52

Unofficial Scorer:

It's not the classic symptoms of Post Derby Disorder. He wasn't popping a whole lot of balls up. And his month-long-plus homerless streak was half before the break and half after it, so whatever it was started earlier.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:52 Unofficial Scorer

6:53

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Newhan lets a lot of good pitches go by...

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:53 Adam

6:53

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

they gonna not get him out

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:53 Derek

6:53

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

man he is slow as crap

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:53 Adam

6:53

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

esp batting from that left side

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:53 Adam

6:54

[Comment From wagswags: ]

coop putting carlos in Puma's 4-hole may have contributed

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:54 wags

6:54

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Nice bit of hitting from the Astros.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:54 Alyse

6:55

Unofficial Scorer:

A beautiful bare-handed play by David Wright ends the top of the third with the Astros ahead 5-0. John Maine is at 60 pitches already after a rough 31-pitch third inning.

Bottom of the order and pitching with a 5-0 lead should be a good combination for Brandon Backe this inning.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:55 Unofficial Scorer

6:55

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

...and now, back, back, backeeeeeeee!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:55 rick roberts in key west

6:56

Unofficial Scorer:

That's not a terrible thing for Backe. You'd be OK having him pitch with a five-run lead not worried about giving up solo homers. Just don't walk anybody.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:56 Unofficial Scorer

6:56

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Backe looks like a new pitcher tonight.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:56 Alyse

6:56

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Throw Strikes!

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:56 AstroFan

6:57

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

dr jeckyl so far

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:57 SJ

6:57

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Z, don't we have a perfect game over the last 27 batters?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:57 wags

6:58

Unofficial Scorer:

That's a good point. Make it 28 in a row retired by the Astros.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:58 Unofficial Scorer

6:58

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

The fear of being dropped, converted to a catcher, or having only an inning to pitch every couple games out of the bullpen has gotten his attention I'm sure...

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:58 rick roberts in key west

6:58

[Comment From at workat work: ]

you sound like brett dolan

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:58 at work

6:58

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

interesting point, wags... make it 29

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:58 Mark

6:59

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Us catcher aint that bad. hey mark

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:59 Alyse

6:59

[Comment From wagswags: ]

i'll be happy if backe makes it 27 on his own

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:59 wags

6:59

[Comment From at workat work: ]

dolan getting hit in the mouth last night was priceless

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:59 at work

6:59

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

the Mets don't have a no-hitter, but has there been one pitched at Shea?

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:59 Andy O

6:59

Unofficial Scorer:

There are six qualified National League starters with ERAs over 5. Of the six, five are in the NL Central.

Going into today:
44. Zach Duke 5.29
45. Bronson Arroyo 5.32
46. Aaron Harang 5.35
47. Barry Zito 5.43
48. Ian Snell 5.60
49. Brandon Backe 5.62

But Backe is decidedly out of the cellar now at 5.51 through three.

He's at 36 pitches as we head to the third.

Saturday August 23, 2008 6:59 Unofficial Scorer

7:00

Unofficial Scorer:

As we finish the third

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:00 Unofficial Scorer

7:00

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea it was pretty funny, but he did use that net pretty good though.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:00 Alyse

7:01

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Q popped it up.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:01 Alyse

7:01

Unofficial Scorer:

There has been a no-hitter at Shea.\

Here's the link.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:01 Unofficial Scorer

7:02

[Comment From wagswags: ]

professional hitter that Q is, shouldn't he be taking a few pitches occasionally?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:02 wags

7:02

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Backe's batting .325 with 2 HR. They might want to convert the guy...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:02 rick roberts in key west

7:02

Unofficial Scorer:

Yeah, if he were Jewish, he'd be at .400 by now.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:02 Unofficial Scorer

7:02

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Backe used to be an outfielder, I dont know why they converted him to a pitcher.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:02 Alyse

7:02

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

zing!

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:02 Andy O

7:03

[Comment From wagswags: ]

he's an Astro by choice

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:03 wags

7:04

Unofficial Scorer:

Darin Erstad is the fifth different Astro with a hit through four, but that's all they'd get as Michael Bourn makes a one-pitch out.

Maine at 71 pitches.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:04 Unofficial Scorer

7:04

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Man, I really want Bourn to figure out how to hit. He is so good in the outfield. Erstad is good but not an everyday player anymore. I really like him off the bench

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:04 Adam

7:05

[Comment From wagswags: ]

really, what's with all this first ball hitting?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:05 wags

7:05

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

random question: has there been any word on who we might expect to see called up here in about a week?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:05 Andy O

7:06

Unofficial Scorer:

Look for something on the site at the beginning of next week; we'll try to get something ready, but off-hand, I don't know. I'll try to find out when the team comes home.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:06 Unofficial Scorer

7:06

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

having an ERA worse than Zito's is pretty bad... Zito's ERA is the pitcher's Mendoza line

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:06 Mark

7:06

[Comment From at workat work: ]

JR Towles

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:06 at work

7:06

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Hopefully J.R got his issues taken care of.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:06 Alyse

7:06

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

why would Backe be hitting .400 if he was Jewish, Z... don't get it?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:06 Mark

7:07

Unofficial Scorer:

He just said they should convert him, and I was trying to think of what you could convert him to.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:07 Unofficial Scorer

7:08

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Backe would be the Astros' Kosher Kowboy!

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 rick roberts in key west

7:08

[Comment From dackdack: ]

JR was hitting .295 at RR last time I checked

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 dack

7:08

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

that curve ball looked good from backe.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 Alyse

7:08

[Comment From wagswags: ]

rick, you're revved up today!

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 wags

7:08

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

Hey Z, just stopping in to tell u i'm gonna be on my way back to Houston in about 2 hours, and i didnt know last night really bothered u where u had to make a rule! well i'm sorry for that anyways

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 AmerM

7:08

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

on conversion, I'm guessing we're thinking more along the lines of a Kevin Youkilis than a Brad Ausmus...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 Andy O

7:08

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Kosher Kowboy, haha.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:08 Alyse

7:09

[Comment From at workat work: ]

That's where he should stay, and be a real life Crash Davis

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:09 at work

7:09

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

how are our boys doing tonight?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:09 AmerM

7:09

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

isnt brad only half jewish?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:09 Alyse

7:09

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

amerM its 5-0 houston

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:09 Alyse

7:09

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

Quick, Z, what's the statistical breakdown of the best and worst hitters in baseball today by religious affiliation?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:09 Andy O

7:09

[Comment From SujSuj: ]

Who is the announcer that is trying to curse Backe?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:09 Suj

7:10

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Z-Any numbers on how long it takes to recover fully from Tommy John surgery?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:10 AstroFan

7:10

Unofficial Scorer:

Still no baserunners through four for the Mets, who have now been set down 32 in a row by Roy Oswalt and Brandon Backe.

He's looking as good here in the fourth as he did in the first and got through it on eight pitches.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:10 Unofficial Scorer

7:10

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Russ Springer blew a save opp for the Cards tonight... not that it matters, just keeping tabs... Braves won 8-4

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:10 Mark

7:10

Unofficial Scorer:

No idea on the Tommy John question.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:10 Unofficial Scorer

7:10

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

House .303, Saccomanno .299 25 HR, Towles .295, Sadler .278 21 HR

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:10 rick roberts in key west

7:10

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Usually it takes a year to 18 months.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:10 Alyse

7:11

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

coild ther be a chance that backe goes for a no hitter a shutout and a perfect game

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:11 Derek

7:11

[Comment From wagswags: ]

mark, i think springer can't wait to face bonds again

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:11 wags

7:11

[Comment From SujSuj: ]

I have noticed that it takes almost two full years; although, they come back to pitch within 12-18 months.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:11 Suj

7:11

[Comment From dackdack: ]

two straight bloop hits for Tejada

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:11 dack

7:12

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

what are Springer's numbers against The Juicer?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:12 Mark

7:12

[Comment From wagswags: ]

depending on how backe finishes tonight, we might have our answer

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:12 wags

7:12

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Yea, well i know a guy who had tommy john surgery & he was back in 14 months.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:12 Alyse

7:12

Unofficial Scorer:

The splits this year, Rick, are unbelievable. Way out of the ordinary. I know it's a different level, but there shouldn't be that much of a diffference, hitting or pitching, between the Class AAA level and the Majors.

It's not just Towles and Reggie Abercrombie. It's the pitchers too. Runelvys Hernandez, Jack Cassel and Dave Borkowski come to mind right away.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:12 Unofficial Scorer

7:13

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

& his doctor's told him that it's usuallly a year to 18 months.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:13 Alyse

7:13

[Comment From wagswags: ]

the only number i recall is 1 big HBP

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:13 wags

7:13

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Cassel looks good there. Be nice it would translate over...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:13 rick roberts in key west

7:13

Unofficial Scorer:

You can say that about so many guys, and that's not always the case.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:13 Unofficial Scorer

7:14

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

he didnt hit Bonds on purpose like everyone thought. i read on ESPN that his wife had surgery that same day & he wasnt there with her, & he was worried about her.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:14 Alyse

7:14

[Comment From dackdack: ]

I wonder how the Astros brass will evaulate Backe after the season? the pitcher who is improving physically in just his first year pitching after TJ or the pitcher who has reached his pitching peak and is in need of a change of scenery?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:14 dack

7:15

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

I was at that Giants game. Springer just looked wild to me.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:15 Andy O

7:15

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Cassel is 8-4 with a 3.40 ERA and 1.27 WHIP and 64/21 SO/BB

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:15 rick roberts in key west

7:15

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i imagine how he finishes the season will have a major influence... he should still get 5 or 6 more starts

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:15 Mark

7:15

Unofficial Scorer:

If I read this right, he still won't have the service time for free agency, and he wouldn't win a lot in arbitration, so it seems low-risk for one more year.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:15 Unofficial Scorer

7:15

[Comment From dackdack: ]

I guess also who the Astros get in free agency also would influence that decision

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:15 dack

7:16

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Ty will hit a 2B here

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:16 Mark

7:16

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

I would put Backe in the pen next year

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:16 rick roberts in key west

7:17

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

damn..wiggy is slow as hell

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:17 Adam

7:17

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

dude, David Wright is a heck of a defender

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:17 Mark

7:17

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

impressive play by wright.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:17 Alyse

7:17

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Oh so close to that double, Mark

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:17 dack

7:17

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i agree, rick... i think Backe could find similar success as Sampson in the pen

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:17 Mark

7:17

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

I've wondered how Backe might fare as a closer - I don't know how he would take it, but it would be an interesting experiment if nothing else

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:17 Andy O

7:18

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

I do to.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:18 Alyse

7:18

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

dack is your other name Mets Fan?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:18 Mark

7:18

[Comment From at workat work: ]

Backe could possibly be a descent closer b/c he has that crazy mindset. I just wouldn't want it to be for the stros

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:18 at work

7:18

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Exactly, and replace Brocail

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:18 rick roberts in key west

7:18

Unofficial Scorer:

First, let's say that the Astros are generally a slow bunch. But that's two tremendous plays from David Wright over at third base

We go to the fifth, which is a big hurdle for Brandon Backe's little streak he's got going here. Carlos-squared awaits.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:18 Unofficial Scorer

7:18

[Comment From dackdack: ]

Nope, Mark! I just made up this name to use in the chat.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:18 dack

7:19

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

you did drop Maine's stats like they were nothing earlier

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:19 Mark

7:19

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

the carloses multiply exponentially? dang, I thought they were just a double.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:19 Andy O

7:19

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

sure you did

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:19 Mark

7:20

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

nice glove work by Backe

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:20 Alyse

7:20

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Backe's looking good. Maybe we need to score early for him.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:20 AstroFan

7:20

[Comment From patrickpatrick: ]

nice play

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:20 patrick

7:21

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Beltran is a good player, but .269 17 HR and 83 RBI?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:21 rick roberts in key west

7:22

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Andy O, if Backe's given up 26 runs in his previous 26 first innings, he may not be the best closer at that rate.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:22 wags

7:22

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Yeah good point wags.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:22 Alyse

7:22

[Comment From dackdack: ]

I don't think Backe has the arm stamina to be a relief pitcher

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:22 dack

7:22

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Strike out for Back

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:22 Alyse

7:22

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Backe

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:22 Alyse

7:22

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

touché

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:22 Andy O

7:23

Unofficial Scorer:

Beltran's been on a steady decline the last three seasons. 2006 was one of his best, 2007 was average and this is a poor season by his standards. And a strikeout makes him the 34th straight Met retired over the two games.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:23 Unofficial Scorer

7:23

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Wow.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:23 Alyse

7:24

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

throw him a pitch Backe... no BBs

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 Mark

7:24

[Comment From wagswags: ]

i'm watching this on the radio, but i can see brandon's competitive fire increasing with every out

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 wags

7:24

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

now another one

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 Mark

7:24

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

one more

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 Mark

7:24

Unofficial Scorer:

The perfect game is gone as Backe misses a little outside on a payoff pitch.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 Unofficial Scorer

7:24

[Comment From dackdack: ]

in arm stamina, I mean to work on multiple days

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 dack

7:24

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Still no hits

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:24 AstroFan

7:25

[Comment From at workat work: ]

time for coop to go to the pen

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:25 at work

7:25

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

We still have a no-hitter going.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:25 Alyse

7:25

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

He's getting squeezed.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:25 AstroFan

7:25

Unofficial Scorer:

Gutsy, I guess for Daniel Murphy to watch six pitches, all fastballs.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:25 Unofficial Scorer

7:25

[Comment From wagswags: ]

i said every out, brandon, not every walk

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:25 wags

7:26

Unofficial Scorer:

And the no-hitter and shutout go next as Backe gets behind Ryan Church, who rips a double for his first RBI back from the DL.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:26 Unofficial Scorer

7:27

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

well there went the no-hitter & shut out. We need someone up & throwin in the pen. Backe looks like he's getting tired.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:27 Alyse

7:27

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Backe went to the wrong Church, should have gone to the temple...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:27 rick roberts in key west

7:28

Unofficial Scorer:

The one run is all the Mets would get, but it leaves one question.

Why is it that when you walk guys with five-run leads, they end up touching home plate?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:28 Unofficial Scorer

7:28

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

haha rick

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:28 Alyse

7:28

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i dont think he's getting too tired Alyse... i think he just lost focus... he may pitch 8 tonight

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:28 Mark

7:28

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Cause you get a little rattled?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:28 Alyse

7:29

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

maybe you get overly aggressive on the next guy after the BB... no idea

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:29 Mark

7:30

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yeah my guess was a stab in the dark.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:30 Alyse

7:31

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

First time pitching from the stretch is more likely the cause.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:31 rick roberts in key west

7:31

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i think we'll get 8 out of Backe and 1 from Valverde

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:31 Mark

7:31

Unofficial Scorer:

And that run comes right back. David Newhan hits his first home run of the season, the second Astros lefty to go deep off Maine today. 6-1 Houston.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:31 Unofficial Scorer

7:31

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Homerun Newhan.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:31 Alyse

7:32

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Newhan continues the trend

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:32 Mark

7:32

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Newhan hamers it

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:32 AstroFan

7:32

[Comment From dackdack: ]

nice stroke from Newhan

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:32 dack

7:32

[Comment From wagswags: ]

newhan gets that run back

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:32 wags

7:33

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Q, struckout

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:33 Alyse

7:33

[Comment From wagswags: ]

newhan may be playing for his place on the team with castillo having arrived

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:33 wags

7:33

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Jimmy D says take Maine out

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:33 AstroFan

7:34

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Yeah, Maine has shoulder problems, & he looks to be laboring.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:34 Alyse

7:34

Unofficial Scorer:

The trend Mark was referring to, I'd have to guess, is that David Newhan is 1-for-25 (.040) as a pinch-hitter but 10-for-28 (.357) as a starter.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:34 Unofficial Scorer

7:34

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

NIce hit Erstad.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:34 Alyse

7:35

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Good stroke Darin

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:35 AstroFan

7:35

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

yes, Z, I was referring to that trend that you pointed out previously

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:35 Mark

7:36

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

and it seems to have some truth

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:36 Mark

7:36

Unofficial Scorer:

Erstad, Tejada and Berkman all have two hits, and the top five in the order are 7-for-13 tonight.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:36 Unofficial Scorer

7:37

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Bourn knew Ed was watching...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:37 Mark

7:37

[Comment From dackdack: ]

That's what I want to see in Bourn

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:37 dack

7:37

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

How long does Erstad have on his contract? Cause if its up after this season, we need to get him back. He's a great asset in the outfield.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:37 Alyse

7:38

Unofficial Scorer:

Make that 8-for-14 as Humberto Quintero and Ty Wigginton are the only Astros without hits.

And make that a day for John Maine, who could give up as many as eight earned runs as he gives way to the pen with two on and the heart of the order coming up.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:38 Unofficial Scorer

7:38

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Sign him today, how much do you pay him?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:38 AstroFan

7:39

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Depends on the terms & conditions of his contract, but I would sign him for 2.5 - 4 million.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:39 Alyse

7:39

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

If the deal was a 1 year deal.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:39 Alyse

7:39

Unofficial Scorer:

He was here on a one-year contract, Alyse, and that would be pretty much unprecedented to extend a one-year contract guy during the season.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:39 Unofficial Scorer

7:40

Unofficial Scorer:

Duaner Sanchez in for the Mets with one more out to get in the sixth.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:40 Unofficial Scorer

7:40

[Comment From at workat work: ]

tejada has been getting jammed a lot this year, it seems he rarely squares up

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:40 at work

7:40

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Erstad makes $1,000,000. He should get a small bump on that.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:40 rick roberts in key west

7:40

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Ryan Braun back to his old ways, put the Brewers up 3-0 in the bottom of the 4th, score is still 3-0 in the bottom of the 5th with Braun at bat with 2 on and 2 outs

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:40 Mark

7:40

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Yeah, I meant during the off season, if his contract is up, then sign him.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:40 Alyse

7:41

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

7-1.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:41 Alyse

7:41

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

when was the last time Puma hit 2 HRs in a game?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:41 Mark

7:42

Unofficial Scorer:

Make it a three-hit night for Miguel Tejada. Berkman coming up. Last he hit two homers was April 26 in St. Louis (Wainwright)

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:42 Unofficial Scorer

7:42

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Tejada is trying to get that average up to his normal .300+

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:42 rick roberts in key west

7:43

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i remember that game actually now that you said it

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:43 Mark

7:43

[Comment From wagswags: ]

from Baseball Reference:1997 Anaheim Angels $175,000 1998 Anaheim Angels $550,000 1999 Anaheim Angels $800,000 2000 Anaheim Angels $2,500,000 2001 Anaheim Angels $3,450,000 2002 Anaheim Angels $6,250,000 2003 Anaheim Angels $7,250,000 2004 Anaheim Angels $7,750,000 2005 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim $8,250,000 2006 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim $8,750,000 2007 Chicago White Sox $750,000

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:43 wags

7:43

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Wasnt that the same game that Wainwright threw behind Ausmus & the benches cleared?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:43 Alyse

7:43

[Comment From wagswags: ]

those were erstad's salaries through 2007

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:43 wags

7:43

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i miss seeing El Caballo hit

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:43 Mark

7:44

Unofficial Scorer:

I miss seeing him play left field.

Berkman down 1-2 and getting second life after Daniel Murphy couldn't come up with a foul ball.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:44 Unofficial Scorer

7:44

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

make em regret it Puma

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:44 Mark

7:44

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

I remember that game to cause I was at a Children Miracle Network fundraiser, helping my brother.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:44 Alyse

7:45

[Comment From wagswags: ]

erstad had a pretty rough 2006.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:45 wags

7:45

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

8-1

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:45 Alyse

7:45

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

that'll work... make em pay Puma

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:45 Mark

7:45

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

I'll take another RBI

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:45 AstroFan

7:46

Unofficial Scorer:

After going opposite field with his homer, and dead center with his double, Berkman finds the other field.

The single to right gives the Astros an 8-1 lead heading to the bottom of the sixth and heading shortly to trivia.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:46 Unofficial Scorer

7:46

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

puma needs a triple!

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:46 Kyle

7:46

[Comment From wagswags: ]

these runs should revive brandon's mojo

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:46 wags

7:47

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Now Blummer

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:47 Alyse

7:47

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Braun drove in 2 more, Brewers 5 - Pirates 0

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:47 Mark

7:47

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

And Backe gets rested...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:47 rick roberts in key west

7:47

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Popped it up.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:47 Alyse

7:48

[Comment From at workat work: ]

My friend Garrett Mock gave up a home run to Mark Derosa today, but he did strike out 2 giving him 28 Ks in 24 innings. Not bad for an unathletic goofball

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:48 at work

7:48

Unofficial Scorer:

Three trivia questions that all require one-word answers. The Astros and Mets entered the National League together in 1962. Since then...

1. Which team has more wins?
2. Which team has played more playoff games?
3. Which team has a better playoff winning percentage?

I'll post the answers in a few minutes.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:48 Unofficial Scorer

7:49

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Z, do you expect Braun to have a down year consider his BB/SO ratio over his first 2 years? He should always be a slugger when healthy, not so sure about the AVG and OBP though... Howard took a nosedive this season after hitting for a good AVG early in his career

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:49 Mark

7:49

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

What was the answer for yesterday?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:49 rick roberts in key west

7:50

Unofficial Scorer:

They were all drafted by the Mets, and actually, they were all drafted by the Mets in two consecutive drafts in the early 80s.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:50 Unofficial Scorer

7:50

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i meant in the future for Braun...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:50 Mark

7:52

[Comment From wagswags: ]

we still have over 5 times as many hits as they do

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:52 wags

7:53

Unofficial Scorer:

It's hard to say, Mark, let me sit on that for a day. I'm not sure if he had the same kind of holes in his swing that Howard had his first two years.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:53 Unofficial Scorer

7:53

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

alright, good D

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:53 Mark

7:53

[Comment From dackdack: ]

nice pick by newhan

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:53 dack

7:54

Unofficial Scorer:

Meanwhile, some more nice gloving in this game, this time turned in by David Newhan as Backe finishes six innings at two hits.

Pretty good for a guy who's had so much trouble finishing two innings at six hits...

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:54 Unofficial Scorer

7:54

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

cool, i just don't like the comparisons to Pujols some people are making... the power may be similar but Pujols is a way, way better hitter in my opinion

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:54 Mark

7:55

Unofficial Scorer:

From Jose de Jesus Ortiz's Astros notes in tomorrow's Chronicle:

Infielder Jose Castillo, whom the Astros claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, will start at second base on Sunday.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:55 Unofficial Scorer

7:56

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

You lose Biggio and it's a turnstile at 2B!

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:56 rick roberts in key west

7:56

Unofficial Scorer:

To answer the trivia:

Three trivia questions that all require one-word answers. The Astros and Mets entered the National League together in 1962. Since then...

1. Which team has more wins?
2. Which team has played more playoff games?
3. Which team has a better playoff winning percentage?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:56 Unofficial Scorer

7:56

[Comment From wagswags: ]

1. astros 2. astros 3. mets

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:56 wags

7:57

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Astros for all 3

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:57 Kyle

7:57

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

1-Astros 2-Mets 3-Mets

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:57 AstroFan

7:57

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

1. Mets?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:57 Alyse

7:57

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

2. Astros

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:57 Alyse

7:57

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

3. Mets?

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:57 Alyse

7:58

Unofficial Scorer:

The winner is AstroFan.
1. Astros 3716-3568
2. Mets 74-56
3. Mets 43-31 (.581) vs.
Astros 21-35 (.375)

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:58 Unofficial Scorer

7:59

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Slick play by Newhan.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:59 Alyse

7:59

[Comment From at workat work: ]

astros, mets, astros

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:59 at work

7:59

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

I was just guessing. Well done AstrosFan.

Saturday August 23, 2008 7:59 Alyse

8:00

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Thank You

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:00 AstroFan

8:00

[Comment From wagswags: ]

a bitter pill, but congrats, AstroFan

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:00 wags

8:02

Unofficial Scorer:

Stretch time: Nothing doing for the Astros offensively, and it's about as big an inning as you can have in an 8-1 game for Brandon Backe.

He's going to face three guys, all of whom he could very easily be careful with in Wright, Delgado and Beltran. The key will be to go right after them with a seven-run lead and don't be a perfectionist.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:02 Unofficial Scorer

8:04

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Amen.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:04 AstroFan

8:04

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

looks like after this inn they gonna have a pinch hitter bat for him at the top of the next inn

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:04 Derek

8:05

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i wouldn't be surprised to see Backe stay in if he gets out of this inning pretty quick

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:05 Mark

8:05

Unofficial Scorer:

And Backe did just that. 3-2 on Wright, he said hit it if you can. Wright hit it, but it settled in the glove of Darin Erstad.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:05 Unofficial Scorer

8:05

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

84 pitches and a 2 hitter.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:05 rick roberts in key west

8:06

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

they're still showing that Backe threw one 97 mph

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:06 Mark

8:06

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

which one you want too se a cg by backe or hand the ball to bullpen

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:06 Derek

8:07

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Awesome curve to Delgado

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:07 AstroFan

8:07

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

from what I'm showing on gameday he averages about 89-91

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:07 rick roberts in key west

8:07

Unofficial Scorer:

That's been right around where he is and where he's always been. If he threw 97 today, then I ran a four-minute mile.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:07 Unofficial Scorer

8:07

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i think they'll want to use Jose V, i doubt Backe goes past 8

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:07 Mark

8:08

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

yeah, it just said his high for pitch speed is 97. Is that true or is the radar gun broke?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:08 Guest

8:08

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

good throw from the knees by Puma

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:08 Mark

8:08

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

It's a Doppler effect caused by the flux capacitor...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:08 rick roberts in key west

8:08

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Nice play Lance

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:08 AstroFan

8:08

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Nice play by Berkman.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:08 Alyse

8:09

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Rick, what???

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:09 Alyse

8:09

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Backe's head has spun at 97 mph about 26 times this season....

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:09 Kyle

8:10

Unofficial Scorer:

Decision time for the Astros. Backe's still got it 95 pitches in, and his spot is due up first. If they remove him, it won't be for hitting purposes, rather that he says he's gassed.

In fact, it could be that oh-so-rare occasion where a pitcher hits and then departs anyway.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:10 Unofficial Scorer

8:11

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Backe = stud tonight, i think he stays in to hit

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:11 Mark

8:11

[Comment From wagswags: ]

don't think coop will take backe out without a fight

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:11 wags

8:11

[Comment From PJBPJB: ]

Wow the human roller coaster known as Brandon Backe is up tonight..Sigh.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:11 PJB

8:11

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Z, you think Berkman is in the convo for 1B Gold Glove in the NL?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:11 Kyle

8:11

Unofficial Scorer:

Absolutely.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:11 Unofficial Scorer

8:12

Unofficial Scorer:

If revised zone rating is your thing, he's second to Pujols.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:12 Unofficial Scorer

8:12

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

He's at 95 pitches with only three hits. That radar gun must of clocked a pitch from last week at 97, or a really fast insect that git in the way.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:12 rick roberts in key west

8:12

[Comment From PJBPJB: ]

Z, can Wade evaluate Backe when his performances are so inconsistent?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:12 PJB

8:13

Unofficial Scorer:

I can't, but I have a statistical background, not a scouting one. Wade's people could see a sign that I can't.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:13 Unofficial Scorer

8:13

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

PJB, i think the evaluation would be that Backe is inconsistent

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:13 Mark

8:13

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

that would be cool to see Puma get an award... all he's got to show for years of good hitting is an "NL RBI Leader" from 2002, not sure if that is even an award

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:13 Mark

8:14

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

I think Wade goes for as much starting pitching on the market as he can get within the money he's allowed. Then Cy Young sorts them out in spring training.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:14 rick roberts in key west

8:14

Unofficial Scorer:

You can tell that Berkman's taken his fielding very seriously this year. He wants to be a good defensive first baseman. That's part of the reason Cecil Cooper did not want to move him to the OF when Lee went down.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:14 Unofficial Scorer

8:15

[Comment From PJBPJB: ]

I would hate to give up on Backe. Then he goes to another team and be a consistent 12-15 game winner for the next 3-5 years. But he's a coach killer

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:15 PJB

8:16

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Brian Stokes and Bourn chokes...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:16 rick roberts in key west

8:16

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

haha rick.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:16 Alyse

8:17

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

one of the neat stories of this season has been Cliff Lee... who would've thought that he would have been the best pitcher on a team that started with reigning AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia and another near winner in Fausto Carmona... Lee and Sizemore have pretty much been the lone bright spots in an awful year for the Indians, maybe Peralta's 2nd half too

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:17 Mark

8:18

Unofficial Scorer:

Six outs to go for Brandon Backe & Bullpen, and they could get them without having to go through Wright, Delgado and Beltran again.

Backe is back to the mound at 95 pitches to face Ryan Church.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:18 Unofficial Scorer

8:19

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

it would be nice to see back-to-back complete games (even if one was an 8 inning loss), though I'm not banking on it

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:19 Andy O

8:19

Unofficial Scorer:

Backe's longest outing of the year is 7 1/3 innings, which he could tie by retiring Brian Schneider after a Church base-hit.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:19 Unofficial Scorer

8:19

[Comment From wagswags: ]

or surpass with a DP

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:19 wags

8:19

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Wahooooo.... go tribe! I grew up west of there but lived in Houston from 84 to 2004. Really hard to cheer a team that was so bad they made movies about them, but I did!

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:19 rick roberts in key west

8:20

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i think it's 8 innings max for Backe, they prob want to give Jose some work even if it's a non-save situation

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:20 Mark

8:20

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

my father's side of the family is from Cleveland, i've been an Indians fan for most my life... moved to Houston in 02 and got into the Astros

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:20 Mark

8:20

Unofficial Scorer:

Another two-run homer for Schneider pulls the Mets within five and could spell the end for Backe short of that season-high.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:20 Unofficial Scorer

8:21

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

Is that it for him?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 AstroFan

8:21

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

bummer, still a great outing from Backe

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 Mark

8:21

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

so much for the CG idea... still an encouraging star overall though

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 Andy O

8:21

[Comment From wagswags: ]

why can't we have an 8 hitter like they do?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 wags

8:21

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea time for backe, but a well pitched game.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 Alyse

8:21

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Elyria, or as we foundly called it - delyria...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 rick roberts in key west

8:21

Unofficial Scorer:

It is the end for Backe, who threw seven good innings, allowing three runs. Just his second time all year pitching into the eighth.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:21 Unofficial Scorer

8:22

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Does that put him in the home runs against lead?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:22 Erin

8:22

Unofficial Scorer:

Doesn't put him there. Keeps him there. Twenty-nine for Backe.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:22 Unofficial Scorer

8:23

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Backe prob wasn't coming in for the 9th no matter what happened this inning

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:23 Mark

8:23

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Backe's best effort was not walking everybody.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:23 rick roberts in key west

8:23

[Comment From StanStan: ]

Their #8 hitter only looks good because he's playing us...increased his home run total by 50% in 2 games

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:23 Stan

8:24

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

true, rick

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:24 Mark

8:24

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

amen rick

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:24 Alyse

8:24

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

yea, Schneider has 6 HRs on the season, 2 against us in 2 days... 4 of his 6 game against the Astros and Nationals

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:24 Mark

8:24

Unofficial Scorer:

Backe has allowed at least one home run in 20 of his 27 starts, also the most in the league. Ted Lilly next at 18.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:24 Unofficial Scorer

8:25

Unofficial Scorer:

And one more statistical downer before we get back to the present. With the two hits this inning, the Astros missed a chance to go three straight games with four or fewer hits allowed for the first time since April 1995.

A double for Jose Reyes off Tim Byrdak, and the Mets begin a threat with the meat of the order coming up.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:25 Unofficial Scorer

8:25

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

poor Backe that Vilarreal got the boot or else he could've given him a run for the title...even as a reliever...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:25 Erin

8:26

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Some of those HR's against could be pitching reports on hitters and catcher calling the pitches. Roy is up there too...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:26 rick roberts in key west

8:27

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

speaking of Villarreal, how is Josh Anderson doing in ATL? (I'm guessing nothing too exciting)

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:27 Andy O

8:28

Unofficial Scorer:

Hitting .315 with little power in Class AAA.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:28 Unofficial Scorer

8:28

[Comment From wagswags: ]

when was byrdak's last appearance? he seems a bit rusty.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:28 wags

8:28

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

nice catch by wiggy.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:28 Alyse

8:28

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

carlos doesn't make that play...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:28 Erin

8:29

Unofficial Scorer:

Byrdak pitched in Game 1 of the Arizona series and didn't pitch at all in the Milwaukee series, so it's been a week and a day.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:29 Unofficial Scorer

8:29

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Is Brydak a free agent at season's end? He's been a pleasant surprise...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:29 Erin

8:30

Unofficial Scorer:

Yes, just this one year.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:30 Unofficial Scorer

8:31

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

odds of resigning?!?!

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:31 Erin

8:31

[Comment From AstroFanAstroFan: ]

30%

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:31 AstroFan

8:31

Unofficial Scorer:

Byrdak has created a bit of a mess for himself, hitting David Wright on what would have been Ball 4 anyway. But he's back in his comfort zone with a lefty in Delgado.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:31 Unofficial Scorer

8:32

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

minor league contract like they signed Moehler?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:32 rick roberts in key west

8:32

Unofficial Scorer:

Yes.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:32 Unofficial Scorer

8:33

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

alright, lefty gets the lefty... nice observation, Z

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:33 Mark

8:34

Unofficial Scorer:

Tim Byrdak cleaned up the mess and gave the Astros a deep breath heading to the ninth. They'll be left with the right part of the Mets order with pinch-hitter, Murphy and Church with at least a five-run lead.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:34 Unofficial Scorer

8:35

Unofficial Scorer:

Astros top five hitters: 10-for-20, 6 RBI
Mets top five hitters: 3-for-18, 0 RBI

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:35 Unofficial Scorer

8:36

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

berkman needs a triple...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:36 rick roberts in key west

8:37

[Comment From wagswags: ]

...i'm drinking doubles

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:37 wags

8:37

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i remember that cycle by Scott

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:37 Mark

8:38

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

me 2 mark

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:38 Alyse

8:38

[Comment From wagswags: ]

poor lance...no cycle, just 4 RBIs

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:38 wags

8:39

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

I'm drinking triples, it's Key West, a drinking town with a fishing problem!

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:39 rick roberts in key west

8:40

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

terrible...trade him! :)

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:40 Erin

8:40

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Berkman needs some time in AAA

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:40 Mark

8:41

[Comment From wagswags: ]

mets get a perfect game if they can retire 17 more astros

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:41 wags

8:42

Unofficial Scorer:

Good to see we're all in a good mood today, and why not, with the Astros heading to the ninth with a five run lead.

It will be Damion Easley, Daniel Murphy and Ryan Church against Geoff Geary, who is called upon in the non-save situation.

I think were it not for the day game tomorrow, we might have seen the big guy.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:42 Unofficial Scorer

8:43

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

I'm not gonna be in a good mood come Monday mornin.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:43 Alyse

8:43

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

I thought Damion Easley was a guard for the Jazz?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:43 rick roberts in key west

8:43

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

the Rays with another come from behind win against the White Sox... looks like a similar thing happened to their starter who came into the 8th only giving up 1 ER than gave up a few ERs and got pulled after getting nobody out

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:43 Mark

8:44

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

And the Red Sux got creamed and Beckett is hurt.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:44 rick roberts in key west

8:45

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

what happened to Beckett?

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:45 Mark

8:45

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Sore shoulder, will miss a start against the Skankees...

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:45 rick roberts in key west

8:46

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

this Murphy kid does look pretty good as my buddy, Mets Fan indicated last night

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:46 Mark

8:46

Unofficial Scorer:

Game over. A double play, and the Astros improve to 65-64 with an impressive win.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:46 Unofficial Scorer

8:47

[Comment From wagswags: ]

always great to beat the mets

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:47 wags

8:47

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

Geary was a great pickup in the $12,500,000 a year dumping of Lighthouse Lidge.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:47 rick roberts in key west

8:47

Unofficial Scorer:

The top five in the order finished 10-for-22 with six runs and seven RBIs, and Brandon Backe was excellent in bouncing back from his second 11 ER start.

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:47 Unofficial Scorer

8:48

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

heck yea

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:48 Alyse

8:48

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

thanks for the coverage, Z... see you guys next time

Saturday August 23, 2008 8:48 Mark

8:52

[Comment From rick roberts in key westrick roberts in key west: ]

I'm outta here like Church...