Congrats to Matt Albers for his 1st Major League win and to Hunter Pence for his 1st Career HR, which just happened to be a Grand Slam! Good Job boys, lets continue with the offense today and help Chris Sampson out.
On the Trade Front - Morgan Ensberg seems to be catching the eye of the Angels. Also, I've heard the Dodgers are looking for a third baseman. That could be interesting....Has Mo's offense uptick the past couple of days stamped his ticket out?
Injury Update - Rick White is in Corpus Christi making some Rehab throws, while on Monday, the Astros Brain Trust will hash out Jason Jennings schedule for return. Let's hope it's sooner rather then later.
The interesting thought becomes who is going away when Rick and Jason return?
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Neive Out!
John Lopez forwarded me this article in the Houston Chronicle today. Fernando Neive will be shut down for a bit with a partial tear in his elbow. That does not bode well for the 'Stros as their farm system is very depleted right now. Some hopefuls that the Astros might need to lean on if the pitching woes increase due to injury.
Paul Estrada with a 2.19 ERA over 11 games working the RR 'pen. Starter Phillip Barzilla has been good with a 3-1 record, but a high ERA of 5.97 in 7 games. Juan Gutierrez is posting a 1-2 record over 5 games with an ERA of 3.18. That's what cooking in Round Rock.
In Corpus Christi, our Hooks pitching staff looks like this, Felipe Paulino in 1 game is 0-1 with an ERA of 5.40, while Jimmy Barthmier is 1-1 with an inflated ERA of 9.26. Our rising star, Troy Patton has posted the following line in 5 starts, 1-2 record, 3.18 ERA, 17Ks/8BBs and a Batting Average Against (BAA) of .241.
We need to stock these teams with some consistent and healthy talent. That is why Jason Lane, Chris Burke and Morgan Ensberg should be on the trading block next to Brad Lidge.
I'll work in doing a position by position breakdown of our minor league prospects just to see where we stand.
A big thanks to Tim over at MLBTraderumors.com for posting We Bee-lieve on his site. Visit MLBTR often. Great stuff always.
Paul Estrada with a 2.19 ERA over 11 games working the RR 'pen. Starter Phillip Barzilla has been good with a 3-1 record, but a high ERA of 5.97 in 7 games. Juan Gutierrez is posting a 1-2 record over 5 games with an ERA of 3.18. That's what cooking in Round Rock.
In Corpus Christi, our Hooks pitching staff looks like this, Felipe Paulino in 1 game is 0-1 with an ERA of 5.40, while Jimmy Barthmier is 1-1 with an inflated ERA of 9.26. Our rising star, Troy Patton has posted the following line in 5 starts, 1-2 record, 3.18 ERA, 17Ks/8BBs and a Batting Average Against (BAA) of .241.
We need to stock these teams with some consistent and healthy talent. That is why Jason Lane, Chris Burke and Morgan Ensberg should be on the trading block next to Brad Lidge.
I'll work in doing a position by position breakdown of our minor league prospects just to see where we stand.
A big thanks to Tim over at MLBTraderumors.com for posting We Bee-lieve on his site. Visit MLBTR often. Great stuff always.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Astros Talk with John Lopez
Earlier this month, I asked numerous sports writers and talk radio personalities in Houston to take part in an "Email Round Table" discussion about the Houston Astros. The first to respond is Houston Chronicle writer and co-host of the "Monsters of the Midday" afternoon radio show on ESPN790 The Sports Animal. My questions and John's answers are below. Enjoy!
1.) We are now through the 1st month, are you concerned with the direction or is it too early?Absolutely concerned. The front office convinced itself that Carlos Lee was some kind of magic pill to make everything better. He'll make the offense better (marginally), but there are too many other things going wrong and they saw them coming. Lidge, Burke in center, Ensberg, starting pitching (although that hasn't been a problem).
2.) If you could look into a crystal ball and see the team on July 31st, from what you know now, who can you see packing their bags for another city?
Ensberg, if he doesn't pick things up. There are too many options at third and he holds more value than anyone else. Second option: Lidge.
3.) Everyone knows that Houston's pitching is suspect right now, but we do have some bright spots in the minors. What are your thoughts on the Astros minor league pitching talent?Fernando Nieve belongs up here sooner rather than later, even if his numbers haven't quite been overwhelming. I think Troy Patton and Felipe Paulino have the brightest futures from what I've seen. Beyond that, haven't seen anything out of this world yet.
4.) Now that Hunter Pence is in his proper place (Centerfield in the Majors), does this make Chris Burke/Luke Scott/Jason Lane expendable?
Yes. Lane should be the one out on the market, but the Astros love him for whatever reason. I'm guessing Scott will be odd man out.
5.) What is your greatest Astros memory?
Too many to name them all. Most recently, though -- Bagwell's opposite-field single to beat the Brewers in '05, Oswalt's effort at St. Louis to clinch the NL, Burke's extra-inning blast, Kent's walk-off homer in the playoffs.
6.) Tim Pupura is facing a big year. Should he be more flexible in the talks of trading Brad Lidge? Also, does Brad Lidge still have good value on the trade market? Also, if Lamb and Loretta could provide a serviceable platoon at 3rd, do you see Morgan being moved?
THat's pretty much what I answered a few questions earlier. Lidge, not so valuable on the market, but still would bring something. And yes, Purpura needs to be more flexible, as you put it.
7.) If the Astros remain a .500 team throughout the season, will Phil Garner be looking for a new job?
Only if the Astros want him to.
8.) What player in the Major League do you want to see play more then any other?
You probably won't like it: Carlos Beltran. Or Albert Pujols. Pitching-wise, Roy O or Johan Santana.
9.) Is the Rocket headed back home to Houston? With the Yankees in serious trouble, they are not looking that hot right now, but the Red Sox are sure pouring it on.
I think he'll end up in Boston. But I've been in the minority on that opinion for months now.
10.) If to win the division, the number is 87, are the Astros over or under?
Under.
I want to thank John for taking the time to read and respond to my questions. I'll post my responses to his answers in the next post.
1.) We are now through the 1st month, are you concerned with the direction or is it too early?Absolutely concerned. The front office convinced itself that Carlos Lee was some kind of magic pill to make everything better. He'll make the offense better (marginally), but there are too many other things going wrong and they saw them coming. Lidge, Burke in center, Ensberg, starting pitching (although that hasn't been a problem).
2.) If you could look into a crystal ball and see the team on July 31st, from what you know now, who can you see packing their bags for another city?
Ensberg, if he doesn't pick things up. There are too many options at third and he holds more value than anyone else. Second option: Lidge.
3.) Everyone knows that Houston's pitching is suspect right now, but we do have some bright spots in the minors. What are your thoughts on the Astros minor league pitching talent?Fernando Nieve belongs up here sooner rather than later, even if his numbers haven't quite been overwhelming. I think Troy Patton and Felipe Paulino have the brightest futures from what I've seen. Beyond that, haven't seen anything out of this world yet.
4.) Now that Hunter Pence is in his proper place (Centerfield in the Majors), does this make Chris Burke/Luke Scott/Jason Lane expendable?
Yes. Lane should be the one out on the market, but the Astros love him for whatever reason. I'm guessing Scott will be odd man out.
5.) What is your greatest Astros memory?
Too many to name them all. Most recently, though -- Bagwell's opposite-field single to beat the Brewers in '05, Oswalt's effort at St. Louis to clinch the NL, Burke's extra-inning blast, Kent's walk-off homer in the playoffs.
6.) Tim Pupura is facing a big year. Should he be more flexible in the talks of trading Brad Lidge? Also, does Brad Lidge still have good value on the trade market? Also, if Lamb and Loretta could provide a serviceable platoon at 3rd, do you see Morgan being moved?
THat's pretty much what I answered a few questions earlier. Lidge, not so valuable on the market, but still would bring something. And yes, Purpura needs to be more flexible, as you put it.
7.) If the Astros remain a .500 team throughout the season, will Phil Garner be looking for a new job?
Only if the Astros want him to.
8.) What player in the Major League do you want to see play more then any other?
You probably won't like it: Carlos Beltran. Or Albert Pujols. Pitching-wise, Roy O or Johan Santana.
9.) Is the Rocket headed back home to Houston? With the Yankees in serious trouble, they are not looking that hot right now, but the Red Sox are sure pouring it on.
I think he'll end up in Boston. But I've been in the minority on that opinion for months now.
10.) If to win the division, the number is 87, are the Astros over or under?
Under.
I want to thank John for taking the time to read and respond to my questions. I'll post my responses to his answers in the next post.
A Fresh Start?!?!
Saturday's excitement turned into Sunday's disapointment real quick. But, with the day off yesterday and some time to regroup and rethink about where we are on the 1st of May, maybe our boys can get it rolling tonight.
Sundays game was another dose of 'same ol same ol'. They sure crashed off Saturday's high. But what a rush to hear that crowd whenever Hunter Pence was near the plate or a ball was hit anywhere near centerfield. I said in previous posts that he doesn't have to come up here and tear the cover off the ball, he's just got to play and be exciting, and fun and give this listless team a much needed spark. The one thing that you can easily see about this team is that they are not really playing with all they got. Something is missing. Maybe Hunter can bring that to them. Maybe seeing his youthfull love of the game will light a fire under Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, Luke Scott and Morgan Ensberg. From what I've seen, this team plays the best and is winning the best when they are just playing baseball and not trying to press.
So tonight we face Bronson Arroyo is looking for his first win this year. Let's deny his bid again with another strong outing by rookie Matt Albers and let's get this offense rolling.
On the Trade Front, all is quite right now, but I sence a storm brewing. If Morgan can't get things clicking, he might end up as bait. With the need for solid starting pitching and some top rated bodies for the Minor League system, some of our boys might find themselves packing bags by July.
On the Injury Front - Jason Jennings threw off the mound on Friday (40 pitches), all fastballs. If he feels all right, he was supposed to throw 50-60 pitches off the mound on Sunday (a few breaking balls too), but I have not heard an update on that session. Rick White is still out and Brandon Backe is just cruising through his rehab. It's a little scary if you ask me. I want to see Brandon out there as much as anyone, but good lord I hope he doesn't do more damage then good.
Sundays game was another dose of 'same ol same ol'. They sure crashed off Saturday's high. But what a rush to hear that crowd whenever Hunter Pence was near the plate or a ball was hit anywhere near centerfield. I said in previous posts that he doesn't have to come up here and tear the cover off the ball, he's just got to play and be exciting, and fun and give this listless team a much needed spark. The one thing that you can easily see about this team is that they are not really playing with all they got. Something is missing. Maybe Hunter can bring that to them. Maybe seeing his youthfull love of the game will light a fire under Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman, Luke Scott and Morgan Ensberg. From what I've seen, this team plays the best and is winning the best when they are just playing baseball and not trying to press.
So tonight we face Bronson Arroyo is looking for his first win this year. Let's deny his bid again with another strong outing by rookie Matt Albers and let's get this offense rolling.
On the Trade Front, all is quite right now, but I sence a storm brewing. If Morgan can't get things clicking, he might end up as bait. With the need for solid starting pitching and some top rated bodies for the Minor League system, some of our boys might find themselves packing bags by July.
On the Injury Front - Jason Jennings threw off the mound on Friday (40 pitches), all fastballs. If he feels all right, he was supposed to throw 50-60 pitches off the mound on Sunday (a few breaking balls too), but I have not heard an update on that session. Rick White is still out and Brandon Backe is just cruising through his rehab. It's a little scary if you ask me. I want to see Brandon out there as much as anyone, but good lord I hope he doesn't do more damage then good.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Here he comes....!!!!
It's about time, out boy is getting his chance. Last night Tim Purpura made the best move of his short and thusfar uneventful GM career. Hunter Pence is going to be the Astros starting Centerfielder tonight!! Now, he might not show up and starting slamming homers, and racking up doubles, but just him being on this roster is a step in the right direction. Something had to be done and it needed to be done NOW!!
Last night, another masteful outing by Roy O was wasted by a lame offence. Again, we left almost 10 men on base. We had numerous runners in scoring position and we just couldn't do a darn thing to get them home.
So now the 'Stros are under the microscope and we'll see what happens. I'm just to damn happy about the Pence promotion that I just don't know what to write...so, I'll wait until tonight.
Go 'Stros!!
Last night, another masteful outing by Roy O was wasted by a lame offence. Again, we left almost 10 men on base. We had numerous runners in scoring position and we just couldn't do a darn thing to get them home.
So now the 'Stros are under the microscope and we'll see what happens. I'm just to damn happy about the Pence promotion that I just don't know what to write...so, I'll wait until tonight.
Go 'Stros!!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
How depressing!!!
16 innnings, 18 men LOB...not cool. What a dismal display of hitting last night. Mo went 0-7 w/10 LOB, Lance was 2-7 w/4 LOB, Chris Burke was 0-2 w/1 BB and 3 LOB, and Carlos Lee was 2-6 with 2 LOB. If Ensberg had just gone 2-7 or 2-6 with a walk, the game would have had a very different outcome and I would have gotten to sleep a lot earlier. What is the problem with situational hitting with this team? Every night we find ourselves in a position to put the game away with timely hitting and fail. Sean Barry and Phil Garner need to concentrate on this aspect of the game.
One bright spot was our 'pen pitched very well and held us in the game until the very end. (Side note - Brad Lidge pitched 1IN, had 1 SO and 1 Hit allowed; very encouraging). Bad news this morning though, Rick White was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained side muscle. Does this open the door for Troy Patton or Fernando Neive? Also in DL news, Woddy Williams was sent back to Houston yesterday to get a cortizone shot in his right elbow due to some "soreness." Team officals say that Woody is fine and will not miss any starts. Jason Jennings threw 25 fastballs yesterday off the mound, I wonder how he feels today.
All is pretty quite on the trade front right now. I feel that Astros are in a wait and see mode.
One thing I have to vent on is yesterday, Charlie Palillo from ESPN790 had an interview with Phil Garner and I got the impression that Gar is feeding a line of bull. When asked if 150ABs would be a good sample to deceide if a player has it together, he says "I don't believe there is a number to look at." What the heck? Do we just let Chris Burke flunder at the plate because he "earned" the spot? I can understand (not agree, but understand) about the SS and C positions since we have no viable options, but we have a RED HOT centerfielder in RR who is "RIPPING" up the pitching. When CP asked "Scrap Iron" about Hunter Pence he was very non-commital.
One bright spot was our 'pen pitched very well and held us in the game until the very end. (Side note - Brad Lidge pitched 1IN, had 1 SO and 1 Hit allowed; very encouraging). Bad news this morning though, Rick White was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained side muscle. Does this open the door for Troy Patton or Fernando Neive? Also in DL news, Woddy Williams was sent back to Houston yesterday to get a cortizone shot in his right elbow due to some "soreness." Team officals say that Woody is fine and will not miss any starts. Jason Jennings threw 25 fastballs yesterday off the mound, I wonder how he feels today.
All is pretty quite on the trade front right now. I feel that Astros are in a wait and see mode.
One thing I have to vent on is yesterday, Charlie Palillo from ESPN790 had an interview with Phil Garner and I got the impression that Gar is feeding a line of bull. When asked if 150ABs would be a good sample to deceide if a player has it together, he says "I don't believe there is a number to look at." What the heck? Do we just let Chris Burke flunder at the plate because he "earned" the spot? I can understand (not agree, but understand) about the SS and C positions since we have no viable options, but we have a RED HOT centerfielder in RR who is "RIPPING" up the pitching. When CP asked "Scrap Iron" about Hunter Pence he was very non-commital.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Missing AE?
With the first swing of the bat, all of Astros Nation thought this game was going to be a great one....and it was, for the Phillies. Jimmy Rollins was friggin on fire last night and Chase Utly showed why he's one of the sweetest hitting second sackers in the game.
But, how many of those seeing-eye shots up the middle would have been outs had Automatic Adam been at Short last night, instead of Mark Loretta? Makes you think a little.....
Lance went yard, but I still get the feeling his timing is still off at the plate. Maybe he's pressing, maybe he's just not seeing the ball well, whatever it is, I hope he breaks out soon.
Regardless of the pitching line, I think Chris Sampson pitched a solid game, Adam Eaton was just better. I've not given up hope that Sampson is going to be a huge lift to this pitching staff.
Sampson (L, 2-1)
4.0 IP
14 H
7 R
7 ER
1 BB
4 SO
1 HR
4.26 ERA
Biggio's .222 BA is not very heart warming. He's just not getting good hits, and Luke Scott needs starting putting the ball in play or he's going to see JLane taking some more of his playing time. It's interesting that in small samples, Luke's numbers have been great, but over a longer period of time, is his true talent going to be exposed?
If you could get a front line starter for a Luke Scott/Chris Burke/Lidge package, would you think about it....?
But, how many of those seeing-eye shots up the middle would have been outs had Automatic Adam been at Short last night, instead of Mark Loretta? Makes you think a little.....
Lance went yard, but I still get the feeling his timing is still off at the plate. Maybe he's pressing, maybe he's just not seeing the ball well, whatever it is, I hope he breaks out soon.
Regardless of the pitching line, I think Chris Sampson pitched a solid game, Adam Eaton was just better. I've not given up hope that Sampson is going to be a huge lift to this pitching staff.
Sampson (L, 2-1)
4.0 IP
14 H
7 R
7 ER
1 BB
4 SO
1 HR
4.26 ERA
Biggio's .222 BA is not very heart warming. He's just not getting good hits, and Luke Scott needs starting putting the ball in play or he's going to see JLane taking some more of his playing time. It's interesting that in small samples, Luke's numbers have been great, but over a longer period of time, is his true talent going to be exposed?
If you could get a front line starter for a Luke Scott/Chris Burke/Lidge package, would you think about it....?
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