Astros-Brewers finale

(08/20/2008)

12:13

Unofficial Scorer:

Welcome back as the Astros take on Manny Parra and the Brewers trying to win the series and pull within 6 1/2 of Milwaukee in the Wild Card race.

Parra's lefty-righty split is very pronounced as right-handed batters hit .281 with a .754 OPS and lefties just .208 with a .630. Hence, nine right-handed batters in the lineup as both Michael Bourn and Darin Erstad start on the bench.

Ty Wigginton, who has a .446 on-base percentage against lefties, gets the start in the leadoff spot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:13 Unofficial Scorer

12:14

Unofficial Scorer:

Facing Brewers lefty Manny Parra:
1. Ty Wigginton (LF)
2. Mark Loretta (2B)
3. Miguel Tejada (SS)
4. Lance Berkman (1B)
5. Geoff Blum (3B)
6. Hunter Pence (RF)
7. Reggie Abercrombie (CF)
8. Brad Ausmus (C)
9. Wandy Rodriguez (P)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:14 Unofficial Scorer

12:18

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Ty leading off???

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:18 Guest

12:22

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

wasnt jr house gonna start this game an d looks like bourn gets a day off

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:22 Derek

12:23

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

wiggy leadoff again whoop

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:23 Derek

12:24

Unofficial Scorer:

At .446, Wigginton has the seventh-highest on-base percentage (min. 100 PA) against left-handed pitching in all of baseball. Albert Pujols is tops with a .507.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:24 Unofficial Scorer

12:27

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

I don't like Abercrombie in there vs Erstad or Bourn. I know the righty vs lefty thing but sometimes Coop outsmarts himself

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:27 SJ

12:28

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

4min away from pregame

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:28 Derek

12:28

[Comment From Tom KTom K: ]

While Coop is showing some insight in batting Wig lead off against a lefty, why on earth is he continuing to put Tejada in the three hole? Tejada is one of the least productive regular players in the NL.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:28 Tom K

12:30

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

sj erstad is the backup for bourn and they got the 3rd stringer out there in reggie

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:30 Derek

12:31

[Comment From Daniel MeyerDaniel Meyer: ]

I think Coop is looking for more RBI production out of the middle of his lineup, and without having Lee's big bat in there, the thought process is that Tejada will see more fastballs in front of Berkman - and hopefully more RBI chances for Lance

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:31 Daniel Meyer

12:31

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

by the way its time for the pregame

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:31 Derek

12:33

[Comment From Tom KTom K: ]

Tejada hasn't hit fastballs -- or much of anything else -- all season!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:33 Tom K

12:33

Unofficial Scorer:

Tom K writes: "Tejada is one of the least productive regular players in the NL."

There are 79 regular players in the NL (qualified for batting title). Of the 79, and don't look this up, where do you think Tejada ranks in OPS? Closest wins.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:33 Unofficial Scorer

12:35

[Comment From Daniel MeyerDaniel Meyer: ]

I'd put him in around 22.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:35 Daniel Meyer

12:37

[Comment From Daniel MeyerDaniel Meyer: ]

oh wow, looking him up is depressing. don't do it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:37 Daniel Meyer

12:37

[Comment From Tom KTom K: ]

I'd say 70 or so.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:37 Tom K

12:37

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

i am watching the pregame they show the line up they have q catching not ausmus

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:37 Derek

12:38

Unofficial Scorer:

http://stats.chron.com/mlb/boxscore.asp?gamecode=280820108

Our box score outsourced to STATS Inc. says Ausmus. I'll look into it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:38 Unofficial Scorer

12:38

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

Lets say 65?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:38 Dave

12:39

[Comment From Tom KTom K: ]

And what's really depressing is that Pence is probably not much higher than Tejada.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:39 Tom K

12:39

Unofficial Scorer:

Tejada ranks 65th in OPS among 79 NL regulars. Very good, Dave. Pence is 62nd. Bourn is 79th of 79. Berkman is fourth.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:39 Unofficial Scorer

12:40

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

SWEET, that was totally a guess!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:40 Dave

12:40

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

well, maybe not SWEET about his OPS....ick.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:40 Dave

12:41

[Comment From Daniel MeyerDaniel Meyer: ]

pence is probably the most disappointing to me. he fell off considerably from the unreal numbers he put up in the short season last year. have pitchers just found the hole in his swing or is it plate discipline? i'm an astros fan removed from most TV broadcasts

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:41 Daniel Meyer

12:41

[Comment From doug Pdoug P: ]

call it the sophmore slump

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:41 doug P

12:42

Unofficial Scorer:

Yes, pitchers appear to have realized that you don't have to throw him a lot of strikes. It comes off as surprising when he lays off some of the pitches out of the zone like he did last night.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:42 Unofficial Scorer

12:42

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

if ausmus starts today they have a day off tomm i bet him or jr house or q will start friday its gonna be ausmus friday

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:42 Derek

12:43

Unofficial Scorer:

As for the lineup, MLB.com says it's Ausmus as well, so until I see someone squatting back there, I'm going to go with Ausmus by a split decision.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:43 Unofficial Scorer

12:44

Unofficial Scorer:

Or until they send eight to the plate in the top of the first.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:44 Unofficial Scorer

12:44

[Comment From Tom KTom K: ]

The NL pitcher's book on Pence is to throw him sliders off the plate outside. Same as the book on Biggio during the latter part of his career. Pence needs to take a lesson from Berkman and Bagwell on how to lay off bad pitches or else he will be doomed to being a below National League-average hitter.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:44 Tom K

12:46

Unofficial Scorer:

The Astros haven't missed Manny Parra in a series. He'll take the lead by himself with his fifth start against the Astros in five series between the teams.

Can anybody name the two other players who have each made four?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:46 Unofficial Scorer

12:52

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

hey guys, i'm back again. so how does everybody think wandy is going to do? i know hes really bad away from home

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:52 AmerM

12:53

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

man thats a hard ?y but on your thinking caps

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:53 Derek

12:53

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

hey AmerM

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:53 Derek

12:54

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

whats up Derek?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:54 AmerM

12:55

Unofficial Scorer:

It is a hard question. Maybe this will make it easier. One of them pitched against the Astros last night. The other's name rhymes with Braden Looper.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:55 Unofficial Scorer

12:56

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

Zambrano one of the four?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:56 DaveO

12:56

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

one of the 2*

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:56 DaveO

12:56

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

ben sh

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:56 Derek

12:56

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

Ben Sheets and Brandon Looper

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:56 AmerM

12:56

Unofficial Scorer:

Don't worry. You'll get a real trivia question during the game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:56 Unofficial Scorer

12:57

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

ok good, but am i right?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:57 AmerM

12:57

Unofficial Scorer:

Yes, you're right.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:57 Unofficial Scorer

12:58

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

awesome, i did it all by myself!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:58 AmerM

12:58

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

congrats AmerM

Wednesday August 20, 2008 12:58 Derek

1:00

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

They are Carlos Zambrono (Cubs), Braden Looper (Cardinals), Manny Parra(Brewers), Phil Dumatrait (Pirates), and Bronson Arroyo (Reds).

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:00 Guest

1:00

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

The "Guest" is me.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:00 Michael

1:01

Unofficial Scorer:

Arroyo's only started three, Zambrano, three I believe as well.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:01 Unofficial Scorer

1:01

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

thank you, thank you. i'd like to thank my father for teaching me to like the home town good guys, Big Z, for giving me the question, and last but not least, my fans, without u this wouldnt have been possible, thank you again!!!!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:01 AmerM

1:01

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

michael amerM got to it before you

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:01 Derek

1:02

Unofficial Scorer:

Time to get started. Here's the Astros lineup again if you missed it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:02 Unofficial Scorer

1:02

Unofficial Scorer:

1. Ty Wigginton (LF)
2. Mark Loretta (2B)
3. Miguel Tejada (SS)
4. Lance Berkman (1B)
5. Geoff Blum (3B)
6. Hunter Pence (RF)
7. Reggie Abercrombie (CF)
8. Brad Ausmus (C)
9. Wandy Rodriguez (P)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:02 Unofficial Scorer

1:03

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

wiggy leading off?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:03 AmerM

1:03

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

Were we supposed to name the people from every team in our division?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:03 Michael

1:03

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

The Astros haven't missed Manny Parra in a series. He'll take the lead by himself with his fifth start against the Astros in five series between the teams. Can anybody name the two other players who have each made four?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:03 AmerM

1:03

Unofficial Scorer:

I mentioned earlier that Manny Parra will take over the lead with five starts against the Astros this year. And Houston, like it has against many lefties, has hit the young left-hander better than most teams have.

Parra is 2-2 against Houston, lasting an average of just 5 1/3 innings and compiling a hefty 5.91 ERA.

He's a pretty hard thrower with good strikeout numbers, but will also walk his fair share of batters.

His lefty-righty split is very pronounced as right-handed batters hit .281 with a .754 OPS and lefties just .208 with a .630. The three most regular Astros regulars, Berkman, Tejada and Pence, who all bat right-handed against him, all have similar numbers and are a combined 11-for-33.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:03 Unofficial Scorer

1:04

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

What are the other answers besides Manny Parra.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:04 Michael

1:04

Unofficial Scorer:

Sheets & Looper

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:04 Unofficial Scorer

1:04

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

I wonder how much better the Brewers would be if Gallardo didn't go down

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:04 DaveO

1:06

[Comment From AmerMAmerM: ]

well u cant play the what ifs, because injuries happen, just as with the astros, we'll never know unless they play a full healthy season with their whole lineup

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:06 AmerM

1:07

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

We also have seen Phil Dumatrait whenever we have seen the Pirates, Bronson Arroyo whenever we have seen the Reds, and Carlos Zambrono whenever we have seen the Cubs (wait, that is not true.)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:07 Michael

1:07

Unofficial Scorer:

Parra will lead it off with the first three of nine straight right-handed batters as Ty Wigginton, Mark Loretta and Miguel Tejada start it, the last two of those three coming off days off.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:07 Unofficial Scorer

1:09

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Where's Don & Sandy when you need'em?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:09 Mike

1:09

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Does Blum actually count as a true right handed hitter?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:09 Guest

1:10

Unofficial Scorer:

No, nor does Berkman, nor does Wandy Rodriguez, a switch-hitter when he feels like it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:10 Unofficial Scorer

1:10

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

wiggy extend hit sreak with a single

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:10 Derek

1:10

Unofficial Scorer:

Ty Wigginton is one pretty incredible Gabe Kapler catch yesterday away from a 17-game hitting streak. But I guess you can count it if you want to.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:10 Unofficial Scorer

1:10

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

15 now?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:10 DaveO

1:10

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:10 DaveO

1:12

Unofficial Scorer:

Kapler, by the way, is back in the lineup for the Brewers today as Ryan Braun continues to sit with the ribcage, which he re-injured in the opener of the series.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:12 Unofficial Scorer

1:13

Unofficial Scorer:

Miguel Tejada is now tied for the National League lead with 23 double plays grounded into, as we go to the bottom of the first scoreless.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:13 Unofficial Scorer

1:15

Unofficial Scorer:

Facing Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez:
1. Rickie Weeks (2B)
2. J.J. Hardy (SS)
3. Gabe Kapler (LF)
4. Prince Fielder (1B)
5. Corey Hart (RF)
6. Bill Hall (3B)
7. Mike Cameron (CF)
8. Mike Rivera (C)
9. Manny Parra (P)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:15 Unofficial Scorer

1:15

[Comment From AnsarAnsar: ]

I haven't seen Tejada produce what he has been capable of doing

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:15 Ansar

1:16

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

good Wandy or bad Wandy coming?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:16 SJ

1:16

Unofficial Scorer:

Last time out, Wandy Rodriguez couldn't locate that 17-inch x shoulders-to-knees rectangle at home. So let's see how he does in one of his least favorite places to pitch.

Never a good road pitcher, Rodriguez will try to atone for his career-high six walks with a start in Milwaukee. He's started seven times in Miller Park, more than any road yard, and is 2-4 with a 6.21 ERA there.

Look out for the righty Corey Hart, who has nine hits in 20 at-bats (.450) against Rodriguez. But then again, with the way he's hit all the Astros this year, you might have been anyway.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:16 Unofficial Scorer

1:16

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

good wandy

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:16 Derek

1:16

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

i like the optimism

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:16 SJ

1:17

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

eh....Ansar...what exactly is a 34 year old SS capable of doing?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:17 DaveO

1:17

Unofficial Scorer:

This?
Though he hasn't been great this year either.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:17 Unofficial Scorer

1:18

[Comment From AnsarAnsar: ]

True. They have to decide on that..of paying him how much 13 million? and only 12, 13 homers?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:18 Ansar

1:18

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

touche...that's not the 34 year old we are speaking of though. :)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:18 DaveO

1:19

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

how many agree that the good wandy is coming

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:19 Derek

1:19

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

They should start deducting pay for leadoff walks...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:19 Guest

1:19

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

and Bourn fly outs

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:19 DaveO

1:20

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

i want to believe in good Wandy.....

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:20 SJ

1:20

[Comment From tomtomtomtom: ]

they should start deducting from tejadas pay

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:20 tomtom

1:20

Unofficial Scorer:

If good Wandy is coming, he better show up soon, as a leadoff walk looks like it will come back to burn him after a play deep at short that Miguel Tejada couldn't make. A very early visit from Brad Ausmus as he falls behind again.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:20 Unofficial Scorer

1:21

[Comment From kdubkdub: ]

we should deduct years off of Tejada's age and try to trade him

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:21 kdub

1:21

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

Good Wandy is like Big Foot....you think you find him, but it ends up being a rubber suit and opossum guts.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:21 DaveO

1:22

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

they are not gonaa trade miggy

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:22 Derek

1:23

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

could get ugly with fat boy up

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:23 SJ

1:23

Unofficial Scorer:

With the middle of this Brewers order coming up, you cannot walk the leadoff man. I'd like to see how many times that run has scored for the Brewers this year. Whatever it is, it's now 2-0 Milwaukee on a double and a sac fly.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:23 Unofficial Scorer

1:23

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that bad Wandy showed up today.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:23 Charlie

1:23

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

Yep, definitely bad Wandy.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:23 Charlie

1:24

[Comment From AnsarAnsar: ]

so much for good wandy..come on guys don't jinx him

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:24 Ansar

1:24

[Comment From Daniel MeyerDaniel Meyer: ]

sheesh

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:24 Daniel Meyer

1:25

Unofficial Scorer:

This is the third time in seven games that the Astros have allowed a run before recording an out. It's the fifth time in seven games that they've allowed a run before recording two outs.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:25 Unofficial Scorer

1:25

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

wandy just struck hart out

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:25 Derek

1:26

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

That is amazing.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:26 Michael

1:26

Unofficial Scorer:

And none of them even involved a home run, just combinations of hits and walks.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:26 Unofficial Scorer

1:27

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

its early in the game

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:27 Derek

1:27

[Comment From tomtomtomtom: ]

and two of them involved wandy?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:27 tomtom

1:27

Unofficial Scorer:

Yes.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:27 Unofficial Scorer

1:28

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

nice pitch

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:28 SJ

1:28

[Comment From btbt: ]

I agree Derek. Give the guy a break. Do any of you even like the Astros? Doesn't sound like it.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:28 bt

1:29

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Wandy is Tejada's son

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:29 JoeHiney

1:29

Unofficial Scorer:

It may be early in the game, but it's not early in Wandy Rodriguez's pitch count. His payoff pitch to Bill Hall was his 25th, which is how he ends the inning with the Hall strikeout. Last time, he made the bullpen go 6 2/3 innings. Today, it's not a huge problem if he does that with the off day tomorrow. It's just, well, if he does, there's a good chance the Brewers will have scored more than two runs.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:29 Unofficial Scorer

1:29

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

We all like the Astros--we just don't like that their performance is inconsistent

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:29 Charlie

1:31

[Comment From btbt: ]

I don't either. Just don't think this bashing is constructive.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:31 bt

1:31

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

I call this our NL East enemies. Mets enemy vs. Astros: OF Carlos Beltran Phillies enemy vs. Astros: SS Jimmy Rollins Marlins enemy vs. Astros: OF Jeremy Hermida Braves enemy vs. Astros: OF Mark Kotsay Nationals enemy vs. Astros: 2B Ronnie Belliard.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:31 Michael

1:32

Unofficial Scorer:

Not Tim Redding?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:32 Unofficial Scorer

1:32

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

When was the last Astro's brawl? I think Wandy should try to hit some of Milwaukee's players. With his pinpoint control, he may start throwing strikes.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:32 JoeHiney

1:32

Unofficial Scorer:

They had a mini-dust-up with the Cards in batting practice earlier this year, but far from a brawl.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:32 Unofficial Scorer

1:33

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

If you saw how Belliard played against us, he is an enemy.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:33 Michael

1:33

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

Was that the Backe vs. Pujols incident?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:33 DaveO

1:33

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

I think Cameron would be a good start JoeHiney...for his stand up attempt at tackling Q yesterday... but Cecil Garner would never call code Red

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:33 Erin

1:34

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

daveo yes that was

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:34 Derek

1:34

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

The last Astros brawl was on June 5, 2007 at Rockies. The last time punches were thrown was on September 21, 2004 at Giants.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:34 Michael

1:34

[Comment From wagswags: ]

just arrived---i see miggy is tied for the league lead in GIDP. i thought he was fleet of foot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:34 wags

1:35

Unofficial Scorer:

You're right. He was.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:35 Unofficial Scorer

1:35

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

I wonder how that would have turned out...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:35 DaveO

1:38

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Is Abercrombie the required Astro age for callup? I think 28. He could be the next Jason Lane or Ty Gainey

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:38 JoeHiney

1:39

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

dave who knows how that have rurned out

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:39 Derek

1:39

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

he is the next jason lane

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:39 Derek

1:39

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Ty Gainey...why not Tuffy Rhodes?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:39 wags

1:40

Unofficial Scorer:

On to the bottom of the second as ground balls from Hunter Pence and Reggie Abercrombie end the inning. It's a good thing that Pence is reasonably fast. He hits more than 51 percent of his balls on the ground. The league average for balls put in play is only 44 percent.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:40 Unofficial Scorer

1:41

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Wandy's got the BB pitch going.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:41 wags

1:41

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Do the Astros lead the majors in getting hit by pitches? Why don't our pitchers ever retaliate? Is that a manager's call or the pitcher's?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:41 JoeHiney

1:42

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

See instead of walking Cameron he could've plunked him...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:42 Erin

1:42

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

they leave him on base

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:42 Derek

1:42

[Comment From bballbball: ]

stros need this game bad

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:42 bball

1:42

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

...where's Ozzie Guillen when you need him....

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:42 Erin

1:43

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Erin, you are right on. I think this team needs to get some sort of nasty edge to get going. A nice beaning incident would be quite welcome.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:43 JoeHiney

1:43

[Comment From wagswags: ]

miggy: die by the sword, live by the sword

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:43 wags

1:43

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

yes a double play

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:43 Derek

1:44

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

i think corey hart may warrant a beaning

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:44 SJ

1:44

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

And bean that punk Ryan Braun while we're at it, even if he is on the bench.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:44 JoeHiney

1:44

Unofficial Scorer:

As Mark Loretta survives a collision with Mike Cameron to turn a double play, here are the HBP stats. The Astros, contrary to the public opinion, have been hit the 10th most times of the NL teams with 38. On to the top of the third once we calm the testosterone down just a little. You too, Erin.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:44 Unofficial Scorer

1:45

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

lou vs ozzie in a battle rant

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:45 Derek

1:45

[Comment From wagswags: ]

aw gee, just a little terrorism? Pleeeese?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:45 wags

1:46

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

The last full-out Astros brawl I can remember (not benches clearing, not ejections, etc) was a brawl in Montreal in 1996. Has it really been that long, or am I missing one?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:46 Andy O

1:47

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

Nice job working around a lead off walk, Wandy. Maybe he just needed to get a few (25!) pitches under his belt.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:47 Charlie

1:47

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

Andy, the last one was in 2004.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:47 Michael

1:48

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

we need to start a rally going

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:48 Derek

1:48

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

rally won't be happening til the 4th

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:48 DaveO

1:49

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Michael, is that the one where the fan jumped on Spiers' back?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:49 wags

1:49

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

What do we do in regards to a catcher next year and a CF?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:49 Adam

1:49

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Adam--we pray for JR Towles to get better and Michael Bourn to pull a hammy

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:49 JoeHiney

1:51

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

I think JR Towles could be ok and I think Bourn could as well, but need to work on hitting. I honestly think Sean Berry is a problem. He needs to go.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:51 Adam

1:51

Unofficial Scorer:

Easy third for Manny Parra, who needed just 10 pitches, Nos. 32-41 on the day to get through the wrap-around part of the order. Wandy Rodriguez back on the mound for the Astros, who need to win again today to keep my dream of 100 wins alive.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:51 Unofficial Scorer

1:51

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

adam jr towles and q is gonna try for the start catcher

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:51 Derek

1:51

[Comment From wagswags: ]

BTW, when was that fun incident |b| Oswalt and Michael Barrett?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:51 wags

1:52

[Comment From kdubkdub: ]

i think quintero is having a decent season. i would like him and towles as a platoon.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:52 kdub

1:52

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

I'm glad we share the same dreams Z...I'm guessing you're winning the lottery tonight too?!?!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:52 Erin

1:52

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Z--you really need to get off the crack dude. But a man's gotta have dreams I suppose.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:52 JoeHiney

1:54

[Comment From kdubkdub: ]

are blum and erstad one year deals?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:54 kdub

1:55

Unofficial Scorer:

Erstad is, Blum has a club option for 2009.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:55 Unofficial Scorer

1:55

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

I think hitting into a double play should count as 0-2 against one's batting average. That put's Tejada below the Cruz Jr. line, which has replaced the Mendoza line.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:55 JoeHiney

1:55

Unofficial Scorer:

Interesting point. I think missing the front end of a 1-and-1 should count as an 0-for-2 in college hoops.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:55 Unofficial Scorer

1:55

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

joe z aint on crack you are

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:55 Derek

1:56

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

I would like to see Humberto Quintero and J.R. House to catch next year.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:56 Michael

1:56

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

And Wandy walks another. I think a manager should tell all pitchers who arent aces that if they walk more than 2 batters in a game, they are going to be replaced with a guy selling peanuts.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:56 Adam

1:56

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

erstad and blum should stay her for next year

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:56 Derek

1:57

[Comment From kdubkdub: ]

i think we should throw Max Sapp into the catcher mix. that seems like a draft pick that is working out! lol

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:57 kdub

1:57

Unofficial Scorer:

Wandy Rodriguez has walked three batters, leading off the first, leading off the second and leading off the third.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:57 Unofficial Scorer

1:57

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

what bout jr house michael

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:57 Derek

1:57

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

See, he can be replaced by a peanut sales person.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:57 Adam

1:57

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

At least he's consistent!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:57 Charlie

1:58

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Adam, walking guys is Wandy's strategy. He gets 'em while they're leaning out. Check Nolan Ryan's BB stats.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:58 wags

1:58

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Nolan Ryan was an ace. He and Wandy arent even close to the same category.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:58 Adam

1:59

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

No one was in the same category as Nolan. HA!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:59 Adam

1:59

[Comment From tomtomtomtom: ]

youre crazy. wandy is as good if not better than nolan

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:59 tomtom

1:59

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Wandy can dream, can't he?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:59 wags

1:59

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Who is looking forward to another year of Wandy, Backe and Moehler? If you are looking forward to Moehler, do you really think he's gonna be able to repeat his performance?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 1:59 Guest

2:00

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

I like moehler cause he pounds the strike zone and is consitant. He can hit corners.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:00 Adam

2:00

[Comment From wagswags: ]

the Cockroach will survive!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:00 wags

2:00

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

my comment above

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:00 Mark

2:00

Unofficial Scorer:

Wandy Rodriguez is once again unable to find the strike zone. He's walked 10 in 4 2/3 innings dating back to last start. And with Prince Fielder coming up, he certainly wasn't pitching around Kapler. He just looks lost.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:00 Unofficial Scorer

2:01

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

...another walk...who believe Dewey will be around next year? How many walks have we allowed this month Z...are we heading towards some type of record yet?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:01 Erin

2:01

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Get Fat Albert to GIDP, Tejada will be expecting it

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:01 Mark

2:01

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

Are you sure he wasn't tying to get the lefty-lefty match up? Wandy's always playing the percentages!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:01 Charlie

2:02

Unofficial Scorer:

I'd think that way, but the defining images of his season in my mind were the towering shots by Griffey and Dunn, both lefties.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:02 Unofficial Scorer

2:02

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

he's defeated before he takes the mound. no confidence

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:02 SJ

2:02

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Then Wandy's problem must not have been working with Q.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:02 wags

2:02

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

I think we need a #2 for next year and probably a #3 and #5. I will put Moehler as a #4. Why not, he has been great! I like Wolf too. He is a gamer...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:02 Adam

2:02

Unofficial Scorer:

For the second time in three innings, a leadoff walk has scored as Prince Fielder drives in run No. 3 on a sacrifice fly. 3-0 Brewers.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:02 Unofficial Scorer

2:03

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Adam, what do you do if and when Moehler returns to his career norm?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:03 Mark

2:03

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Shoot him...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:03 Adam

2:04

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

On the bright side, Wandy got his pitch count per inning average below 20 for the game!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:04 Charlie

2:04

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

we really to start a rally

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:04 Derek

2:05

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

I would hope for more out of Wolf, if we keep him, than Moehler but he has been bad for the past 3 years now... the way I see it we have maybe 2 legit starters on this current roster

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:05 Mark

2:05

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

brb bout to eat lunch

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:05 Derek

2:06

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

thanks for the update, Derek... let us know if you take a shower or something later

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:06 Mark

2:07

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

With Loretta grounding out, there is absolutely no way Tejada hits into a DP this time around! Talk about being positive

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:07 Charlie

2:08

Unofficial Scorer:

As the Astros bat here with one out in the fourth, here's some warmup trivia. Last June 25, Humberto Quintero went 0-for-3 against Parra in his start against Matt Albers. Anybody know what was notable about that game?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 Unofficial Scorer

2:08

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

That's what I'm talking 'bout, Miggy!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 Charlie

2:08

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Do you think Wandy get's carded at beer joints? And when he tries to pick up a chick by telling her is a MLB player, do they laugh at him?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 JoeHiney

2:08

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

YAY! Tejada singleds on a soft ground ball to the pitcher...woohoo...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 Adam

2:08

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

That was nearly a double play type of hit ball by Tejada, fortunately he hit it really poorly and nobody was on

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 Mark

2:08

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

astros became mathematically eliminated from the playoffs?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 SJ

2:08

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

I smell a rally!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:08 Charlie

2:09

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

hopefully Blum can at least get 1 run home.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:09 Adam

2:09

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Derek, are you back from lunch yet? Pick me up some beer dude.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:09 JoeHiney

2:09

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

The Earl Weaver effect:needed 3 run homer

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:09 rick roberts in key west

2:09

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i thought Tejada would be sent there for sure

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:09 Mark

2:09

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

Why doesnt Blum bat lefty all the time?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:09 Charlie

2:10

Unofficial Scorer:

Geoff Blum bats here with one out and two on as Miguel Tejada got a late stop sign on Lance Berkman's double. Blum quickly ahead in the count.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:10 Unofficial Scorer

2:10

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Biggio hit the major league record for doubles by a right hander?!?!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:10 Erin

2:10

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Ok I forgot that there was a day game today. Whats been goin on?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:10 Alyse

2:10

Unofficial Scorer:

Blum delivers his fourth RBI in the last two days, putting the tying run on base in the 3-1 game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:10 Unofficial Scorer

2:10

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Alyse, Derek is at lunch, he's bringing beer back for everybody though

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:10 Mark

2:11

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

Pence to the fence...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:11 rick roberts in key west

2:11

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

Pence with a grounder....surprised?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:11 DaveO

2:11

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Thanks

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:11 Alyse

2:11

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Pence to the infield grounder... again, prob 52% of his hits now

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:11 Mark

2:12

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

not at all

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:12 Alyse

2:12

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Abercrombie will strike out!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:12 Adam

2:12

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

who's catching today??

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:12 Alyse

2:12

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Abercrombie, the BB machine

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:12 Mark

2:12

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

my grandpa & me came up with a nickname for abercrombie, we call him wiffercrombie

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:12 Alyse

2:12

[Comment From wagswags: ]

perfect game for parra (nashville) vs express

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:12 wags

2:13

Unofficial Scorer:

That's right, as Reggie Abercrombie comes up with another line drive, their third line drive hit of the inning to make it a 3-2 game.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 Unofficial Scorer

2:13

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

At least Hunter worked the count before delivering his unproductive out.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 Charlie

2:13

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Eye candy is catching

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 Erin

2:13

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Pence needs to focus on baseball for a change. I'll focus on his girlfriend. I think Pence is experiencing Tony Romo syndrome.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 JoeHiney

2:13

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

Reg-gie! Reg-gie!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 SJ

2:13

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

who was talking trash about Reggie Abercrombie? huh, the guy is a world class hitter!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 Mark

2:13

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Wow, no strike out, yay

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 Alyse

2:13

Unofficial Scorer:

News from Union Station: The Astros claimed Jose Castillo off waivers from San Francisco. He'll report to the Major League club Friday.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:13 Unofficial Scorer

2:14

[Comment From dougdoug: ]

woooot

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 doug

2:14

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

i call Wigginton "Wiffinton" when he gets into slumps

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 Mark

2:14

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Alyse, Abercrombie is the new Jason Lane

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 JoeHiney

2:14

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

JoeHiney, who's Pence's girlfriend?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 Charlie

2:14

[Comment From dougdoug: ]

castillo a catcher?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 doug

2:14

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Alright, Brad, yay

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 Alyse

2:14

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

these transactions keep getting weirder and weirder

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 Andy O

2:14

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

We are SAVED!!!!!!!!!!! Who is he?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:14 JoeHiney

2:15

Unofficial Scorer:

You probably best remember him from the Pirates where he was a marginal starter on the left side of the infield, mostly third base.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 Unofficial Scorer

2:15

[Comment From wagswags: ]

cast-off from a worse team? Waaaaaaade?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 wags

2:15

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

thats a good one mark

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 Alyse

2:15

[Comment From RobertRobert: ]

Who is Jose Castillo and what skill set does he bring?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 Robert

2:15

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

2B/3B

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 DaveO

2:15

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

Jose Castillo is a third baseman.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 Michael

2:15

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

no castillo is a 3rd baseman & he can play 2nd

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:15 Alyse

2:16

[Comment From VeronicaVeronica: ]

Sometimes I wonder what the astros r thinking when they make these kinds of moves

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:16 Veronica

2:16

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

He was on the Marlins.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:16 Michael

2:16

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Who goes down? Abercrombie?!?!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:16 Erin

2:16

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

or House?!?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:16 Erin

2:17

Unofficial Scorer:

I would guess House will go down. Club seems to be operating in LIFO mode. Now it's Wandy Rodriguez up with the bases loaded.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 Unofficial Scorer

2:17

[Comment From dougdoug: ]

wow what were the astros thinking?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 doug

2:17

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Charlie, you need to google her. I forget her name but she is no slump buster, she is a slump causer.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 JoeHiney

2:17

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

what does it hurt?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 DaveO

2:17

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Castillo has a higher career average than Cruz Jr.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 JoeHiney

2:17

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

they probably arent thinkin

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 Alyse

2:17

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

Wandy - Grand Slam!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 Mark

2:17

[Comment From dougdoug: ]

abercrombie needs to stay he is bound for a torrid semptember like towles last year

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 doug

2:17

[Comment From jimvjimv: ]

i love these moves we are going to be great for years to come!!!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 jimv

2:17

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

LIFO?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:17 Alyse

2:18

Unofficial Scorer:

Last in, first out.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:18 Unofficial Scorer

2:18

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Z - Any decent numbers for Jose?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:18 Adam

2:18

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

castillo: .244 28 2b 6 HR .671 OPS

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:18 rick roberts in key west

2:18

[Comment From doug pdoug p: ]

wandy needs to come through like CC on monday

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:18 doug p

2:19

Unofficial Scorer:

No such luck for Rodriguez, as he strikes out rather weakly, sending us to the bottom of the fourth with the Astros still down a run.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Unofficial Scorer

2:19

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

wow, what a grab by the catcher, Parra owes him one, that was very close to a tie game

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Mark

2:19

[Comment From Andy OAndy O: ]

Wolf, Hawkins, now Castillo - I think Ed Wade believes it's 2003

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Andy O

2:19

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

last in first out-LIFO

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 DaveO

2:19

[Comment From doug pdoug p: ]

ROFL

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 doug p

2:19

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

thanks z

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Alyse

2:19

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

Mr. Levine is an accountant at heart.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 DaveO

2:19

[Comment From wagswags: ]

now if that was backe......

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 wags

2:19

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

had a chance, but didnt get anything done

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Alyse

2:19

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Jose Castillo from the Giants.... oh that solves a big hole :) are we collecting second baseman

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 GDP

2:19

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

If bases are loaded and 2 outs, you swing. I dont care if its 200 feet above your head, dont get caught with the bat up your ass like wandy

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Adam

2:19

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

then when they play him next year abercrombie, will completely fall apart at the plate.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:19 Alyse

2:20

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

If it was Backe, we would be down by 9 runs still.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:20 Adam

2:20

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

amen adam

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:20 Alyse

2:20

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Any way to run a stat w/our pitchers BA w/the bases loaded? And our pitchers BA against the league...where do we rank?!?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:20 Erin

2:22

Unofficial Scorer:

Astros batters are hitting .158, which is second in the league behind the Cubs. It'd take a while to get the other stat.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 Unofficial Scorer

2:22

[Comment From dougdoug: ]

the game is closer im happy with that...we only need another inning out of wandy and then we can bring in our steller bullpen

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 doug

2:22

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

Brandon Backe hits better than Miguel Tejada.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 Michael

2:22

[Comment From SJSJ: ]

i have to go to a meeting...tell Derek for me

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 SJ

2:22

[Comment From CP08CP08: ]

Looks like Zippy the Chimp struck again....Way to go Wade, Im just loving the idea of being the Royals for the next 5 years

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 CP08

2:22

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

who wins the battle of the bullpen?? That is what this game is coming too

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 GDP

2:22

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea he does

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:22 Alyse

2:23

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

The problem with Backe (at least bad Brandon) is he hits too many of the other bats, so by the time he hits, we're in a deep hole

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:23 Charlie

2:23

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Thanks Z...interesting...Moehler & Wandy have always both looked pretty bad at the plate...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:23 Erin

2:23

[Comment From wagswags: ]

pitcher grand slams: Tony Cloninger (Braves) hit 2 in one game vs the Giants (7/3/1966)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:23 wags

2:24

Unofficial Scorer:

Wandy Rodriguez teased us, but could not come up with a fourth straight leadoff walk despite falling behind 3-0. Very nice job battling back to get Bill Hall swinging for the second time today.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:24 Unofficial Scorer

2:24

[Comment From TravisTravis: ]

Wandy finally struck out the lead off batter

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:24 Travis

2:24

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

The reason Backe is such a good hitter is because we are always down 10 or 11 runs so the other pitcher just lobs a couple in there.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:24 Adam

2:24

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

Bob Gibson used to pinch hit a lot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:24 rick roberts in key west

2:25

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

I am going out on a limb and saying that Berkman will have a homer if Parra is still in the game next inning

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:25 GDP

2:25

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Moehler will never pinch-hit

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:25 wags

2:25

[Comment From jimvjimv: ]

I think Ed Wade is trying to top himself with one dumb move after another

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:25 jimv

2:26

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

This club has made some positive moves in the right direction this year... just look at our ex Mendoza players stats that we dumped (Ensberg, Lane, Burke,) not to mention the injury train we traded away (Hirsh, Patton, Tavarez) Luke Scott and Albers the exceptions.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:26 GDP

2:27

Unofficial Scorer:

Very important inning behind Wandy Rodriguez as he give the Astros a chance to bat with the top of the lineup up, 360 feet away from tying the game. Both of his scoreless innings have been just three batters, a double-play-aided 1-2-3 frame and a true 1-2-3 frame.

74 pitches through four for Rodriguez.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:27 Unofficial Scorer

2:27

[Comment From jimvjimv: ]

Why not put Berkman on waivers

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:27 jimv

2:27

[Comment From wagswags: ]

dunno, jimv, hawkins doing okay in his walk year,

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:27 wags

2:27

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Yeah, I wasnt to happy when they traded Luke Scott away.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:27 Alyse

2:28

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

Add in Everett

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:28 rick roberts in key west

2:28

[Comment From wagswags: ]

wolf has outdone runelvys and cassel

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:28 wags

2:28

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

jimv, your kidding right? What would putting Berkman on waivers accomplish with a full no trade clause? He is a Texan and here to stay...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:28 GDP

2:28

[Comment From CP08CP08: ]

Didn't Everett get released by the Twins? Is he playing anywhere?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:28 CP08

2:29

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Still with them

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:29 GDP

2:29

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Everett is on the DL I think

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:29 GDP

2:29

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

I have no clue where he is playin, but i heard that he wanst playin to well

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:29 Alyse

2:29

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Just to double check since we claimed Castillo on waivers we don't have to give up anything?!?!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:29 Erin

2:30

Unofficial Scorer:

You're correct.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:30 Unofficial Scorer

2:30

[Comment From wagswags: ]

GDP, jimv is about to jump off a bridge. let him have his final pleasure

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:30 wags

2:30

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

In two days we traded Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate (anyone remember him?), Mike Costanzo (the minor leaguer in the Brad Lidge trade), Chad Qualls, Chris Burke, and Juan Gutierrez. In exchange we landed Miguel Tejada and Jose Valverde.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:30 Michael

2:30

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Isnt he havin some shoulder problems?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:30 Alyse

2:30

[Comment From jimvjimv: ]

it would show how dumb Ed Wade really is

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:30 jimv

2:31

[Comment From wagswags: ]

Michael, .500 average...not so bad

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:31 wags

2:32

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

i wouldnt have traded scott. but i didnt like qualls or lidge at all.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:32 Alyse

2:32

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Don't jump jimv!!!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:32 GDP

2:32

[Comment From jimvjimv: ]

This team is never going win a championship with this G.M THAT'S THE GOAL RIGHT?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:32 jimv

2:32

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

walk to loretta

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:32 Alyse

2:32

Unofficial Scorer:

...bringing up Miguel Tejada with one on and a man on first. No jokes.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:32 Unofficial Scorer

2:33

Unofficial Scorer:

One out, excuse me.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 Unofficial Scorer

2:33

[Comment From wagswags: ]

parra's walks are catching up with wandy's

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 wags

2:33

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

One-out rally coming

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 Charlie

2:33

[Comment From hustletown5591hustletown5591: ]

which castillo did we pick up?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 hustletown5591

2:33

[Comment From MM: ]

GIDP

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 M

2:33

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Everett is still playing w/the twins...they had released him at one point but he's back on the team and playing as recently as Monday...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 Erin

2:33

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

On Adam ht tp://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080819&content_id=3334317&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 GDP

2:33

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

Parra is startin to look a little wild to me.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 Alyse

2:33

[Comment From wagswags: ]

well, the WP will make it harder for miggy

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 wags

2:33

[Comment From patrickpatrick: ]

was the jose castillo thing already discussed?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:33 patrick

2:34

Unofficial Scorer:

Feel free to jump in. He'll be an arbitration case one last time after this year.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:34 Unofficial Scorer

2:34

[Comment From wagswags: ]

and dumped!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:34 wags

2:34

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Parra has lost his curveball badly,

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:34 GDP

2:34

[Comment From patrickpatrick: ]

theyre really screwing saccomanno

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:34 patrick

2:34

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

iam back from eating lunch

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:34 Derek

2:34

[Comment From wagswags: ]

did you brush?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:34 wags

2:35

Unofficial Scorer:

Parra's tendencies are catching up to him. He's been wild all season, not being able to harness the good stuff he's had. Roughly a walk every two innings, for the year. Lance Berkman up with two outs in the fifth.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:35 Unofficial Scorer

2:35

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Derek, we missed you, what did you eat? Ed Wade swung a huge deal while you were out.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:35 JoeHiney

2:35

[Comment From JonnyJonny: ]

9 rbi for tejada since the break? Thats pathetic

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:35 Jonny

2:36

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Remember what I said earlier

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:36 GDP

2:36

[Comment From CP08CP08: ]

Thanks for the Everett update folks

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:36 CP08

2:36

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

dang its almost 3, & u just got back, wow. do you have a late lunch hour or somethin?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:36 Alyse

2:36

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

I called it :) (ready to eat crow)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:36 GDP

2:36

[Comment From CharlieCharlie: ]

He's stayed out the DP at least

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:36 Charlie

2:36

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

joe a sandwhich yes i heard bout the deal

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:36 Derek

2:37

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Awwww they pitched around him.. go figure :)

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:37 GDP

2:37

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

another walk

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:37 Alyse

2:37

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

mmmmm yummy crow...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:37 GDP

2:37

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Lets see if Blum can come through again.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:37 Adam

2:37

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Tejada is the spanish word for "double play". It also Greek word for "old sock", and a Japanese word for "grandfather".

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:37 JoeHiney

2:38

[Comment From wagswags: ]

8 walks, a wild pitch and a passed ball in this game. yawwwn.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:38 wags

2:38

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

i like poppin crows w/ my bb gun

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:38 Alyse

2:38

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

The Mighty Blum strikes _________

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:38 rick roberts in key west

2:38

Unofficial Scorer:

because he's unhappy with his working conditions.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:38 Unofficial Scorer

2:39

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea it is a boring game, it would be more boring, exept im listenin to some music

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:39 Alyse

2:39

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

WHY DID THEY SEND HIM?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:39 Alyse

2:39

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

super slow

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:39 DaveO

2:40

Unofficial Scorer:

The Astros came about two feet short of a game-tying run and a fifth Blum RBI in two games, but Mark Loretta was thrown out. I think that's the right call with two outs, you just have to hope it wasn't a perfect throw. Halfway home, 3-2 Brew.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:40 Unofficial Scorer

2:40

[Comment From wagswags: ]

braun doesn't make that play

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:40 wags

2:40

[Comment From DaveODaveO: ]

you always send him there...he is just REALLY slow

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:40 DaveO

2:40

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

no freaking clue... is he injured?? My two year old could have run faster than that?? He rounded third and ran out of steam.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:40 GDP

2:40

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Man, thats why we need Castillo. Loretta is slow

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:40 Adam

2:40

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

almost had another run

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:40 Derek

2:41

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

my dad, who's knees are blown could have scored

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:41 Alyse

2:41

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

Blum gets an assist: Blum to Kapler to Rivera

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:41 rick roberts in key west

2:41

[Comment From wagswags: ]

would've been bourn last night

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:41 wags

2:41

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Romero is a horrible 3rd base coach, this move aside. He was a terrible player but perhaps the kind of guy Ed Wade would have acquired.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:41 JoeHiney

2:41

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

Man, we really could have used Castillo in that at bat.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:41 rick roberts in key west

2:41

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

loretta should run faster that why we got castillo cause he got speed

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:41 Derek

2:42

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Loretta has come through in games past so he can have a pass on that one... :()

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:42 GDP

2:42

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

why didnt loretta put his head down, drop his shoulders & take the catcher out? thats what i would have done.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:42 Alyse

2:42

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

BRING BACK GALANTE!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:42 GDP

2:42

[Comment From wagswags: ]

parra's out of the game. now we'll see some pitching

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:42 wags

2:43

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

We already have a speed guy who can't hit, now we have 2?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:43 JoeHiney

2:43

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

maybe the mound is infected with something? Wandy looks like Parra this inning

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:43 GDP

2:43

[Comment From wagswags: ]

alyse, wouldn't you rather take out ausmus?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:43 wags

2:43

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea, but i wouldnt have hit ausmus as hard.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:43 Alyse

2:44

Unofficial Scorer:

Wandy Rodriguez back at it. He's walked four of his leadoff batters and gone 3-0 on the other one. There will be a serious talking to, you would think, about that one over the next five days.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:44 Unofficial Scorer

2:44

[Comment From wagswags: ]

but you'd score!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:44 wags

2:44

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

Ah, there's the Wandy we know. !st batter walk...

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:44 rick roberts in key west

2:44

[Comment From ErinErin: ]

Joe...Romero was a .247 with a .302 SLG %...8 career home runs and 1 career triple so he never really saw much of 3rd base?!?!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:44 Erin

2:44

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

ed romero is a freaking idiot.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:44 john

2:45

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

I guess Loretta doesn't realize that this game really is the last hope at making a run at the wild card. Open up a can of care Loretta!!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:45 JoeHiney

2:45

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

yea, i would

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:45 Alyse

2:45

[Comment From DerekDerek: ]

looks like we gonna see their billlpen start off the 6th

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:45 Derek

2:46

[Comment From StanStan: ]

Just got here...has anyone ever walked the 1st batter in every inning? Right now, Wandy is 4 for 5 arg#!@

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:46 Stan

2:46

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

eny cabreja has been pitching TERRIBLY lately. what is the deal?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:46 john

2:46

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

nice play by brad

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:46 Alyse

2:46

[Comment From JoeHineyJoeHiney: ]

Thanks Erin---I bet Ed hit .350 against the Astros while he played. He was an Astro killer then and now.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:46 JoeHiney

2:46

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

This is sad.. 4 in MVP balloting one year to this in the minors h ttp://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Morgan%20Ensberg&pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=348563

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:46 GDP

2:47

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

Only the Marlins have a billpen. These guys have a brewpen

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:47 rick roberts in key west

2:47

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

Does this mean that Loretta is moving teams??? I doubt it... but the way Blum has been, maybe an option to dump salary and improve defense?

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:47 GDP

2:47

Unofficial Scorer:

No, all it means is that somebody, probably J.R. House, is taking the flight to Round Rock rather than New York.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:47 Unofficial Scorer

2:48

[Comment From AlyseAlyse: ]

ensberg is washed up now.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:48 Alyse

2:48

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

Eny Cabreja was a pitcher in the Astros minor league system who was from the Dominican Republic. When the Astros called him in 2003 to invite him to spring training, they discovered that Eny Cabreja didn’t exist. Now, Cabreja did make it to camp, only he came as Wandy Rodriguez, who confessed to using the fake name for reasons which have, as far as I know, never become public.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:48 john

2:48

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

Mark Loretta is not worth Jose Castillo.

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:48 Michael

2:48

[Comment From GDPGDP: ]

That makes sense..

Wednesday August 20, 2008 2:48 GDP

2:48

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

i am not watching the game.. why is everyone talking about loretta leaving now? what just happened besides the fact that he got thrown out at home?