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| Wandy Rodriguez | Mike Pelfrey |
| 8- 12, 4.49 | 1 - 7, 5.43 |
Those who are interested might note that the Salem Avalanche lost the second game of their best-of-three Carolina League playoff series with the Kinston Indians last night.
Tied at 0 in the bottom of the ninth, Kinston shortstop and second-place hitter Josh Rodriguez hit a one-out solo shot off reliever Raymar Diaz to end the game and tie the series.
Salem lefthanded starter Polin Trinidad pitched seven scoreless before giving way to Diaz, allowing 3 hits, while fanning 7 and walking none. Avs shortstop Wladimir Sutil had two hits for the Avalanche, who outhit Kinston, 7 - 4, but had no extra base hits.
The series concludes tonight at 7:00 PM at Kinston, with the winner facing the Frederick Keys for the right to call themselves Carolina League champions.
Go Avs!
I'm sure you've read the latest story at the official site on Brad Ausmus. While I'm somewhat surprised that Ausmus wants to continue to subject himself (and us!) to the rigors of catching and the frustrations of hitting, the use of the word "mentor" in the article makes it pretty clear that Tal Smith and Drayton McLane have pretty clear ideas that Ausmus should coach and or manage for the organization at some level in the future.
Earlier ideas expressed onsite (probably by me) that Brad would make a good manager for the big club next year are obviously pie in the sky, but Wednesday's story makes me think all the more that Ausmus will be wearing a coach's jersey for the Astros sometime in the reasonably near future.
It also makes me think he'd do a good job at it, too.
0 recs | 92 comments
No Mo Ausmus...
Hi,Newbie here! Just wanted to comment on Ausmus coming back next season. Enough already! I certainly wouldn't mind him in a coaching capacity - what about bench coach for a year or so - but as a player he has been done for years. He's going to block any chance of finding out what other guys currently in the system can do. I have watched JR Towles all season and he's a AA guy at best, so having Brad back him up will be a disaster waiting to happen. I don't mind him sharing duties with Munson again, but the roles have to be reversed. Don't these guys know when to hang em up? Seriously. It's time...
momostros - September 7, 2007
Well, Yeah
and thanks for the comment and for stopping by.But the article does state that Ausmus would be coming back as the backup to Munson
I'm surprised that you don't think much of Towles, as most things we've seen say he's the real deal.
Even if Sapp is legitimate, he's certainly not gonna be ready in '08, and I think we can write off Santangelo, if not because of the steroids,
then because he had a crappy season.
Pretty sure that Ralph Henriquez is no longer considered a prospect.
So not sure who "other guys currently in the system" would be if they're not JR Towles.
Beyond that I think Ausmus is more of an issue if the catcher platoon he's employed in is with another, similar catcher. Like, Quintero/Ausmus would be poorly conceived, because they're both similar players: strong defense, no offense.
But Ausmus/Munson or Munson/Ausmus, it's all the same to me: what makes them different is what makes them good, to steal a phrase.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
I'm not sold on Munson
as a possibility for the primary catcher spot. he hasn't translated his recent success at AAA to the major league level and his power has dropped from his career numbers. his AB/HR has about doubled. if he were slugging up close to .450 like he has in the past, we might be able to live with his sub .250 avg and skating right at .300 OBP.hopefully Towles can get a few starts to see if he transitions immediately into the MLB game, but i'd have to argue sample size on any results, good or bad, and i'm not sure we want to go into ST next year with Munson and a guy that is less than a season removed from A ball as our two real choices for any real offensive production from the catcher spot. i'm not sure what's available through free agency or trades, but a legit stop-gap would be nice.
littlevisigoth - September 7, 2007
Hector Gimenez
Any word on how Hector Gimenez recovery from surgery has gone? At one time wasn't he the Astros future catcher?I have no insights on 2008. I know there's always talk of getting a power hitting catcher. Astros may trade for one or reel in a free agent. I doubt it though.
I would not be surprised, however, if the Astros start next year with Gimenez, Munson and Ausmus; or just Gimenez and Ausmus. If Gimenez is not ready to play in April, then Asumus and Munson return, with Munson getting the most starts. Towles will share time with Quintero at Round Rock until June or July.
Some pretty specific predictions from a fellow who has no idea what the Astros catching situation really is or will be.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
What the hell!
linkStros Bro - September 7, 2007
If..
I'm going to use HGH or Roid then I'm going to have better than a 8.14 ERA that's for damn sure.Stros Bro - September 7, 2007
Prolly Not HGH
I'm pretty sure there's no reliable test for HGH.pel - September 7, 2007
Tell that to
Rodney HarrisonStros Bro - September 7, 2007
....and
I'm pretty sure he didn't get tested... he got caught with the goods though(I think)Stros Bro - September 7, 2007
It's Worse Than You Think
He ordered HGH to be shipped to his name at his home address.How stupid is that?
pel - September 7, 2007
Harrison or Lazu?
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Harrison
Stros Bro - September 7, 2007
Who's Rodney Harrison?
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Football player
I think he plays right field or something for the New England Patriots. New England is near Boston; but they are not affiliated with the Red Sox. I doubt there are very many real patriots on the team. the team is best known for its quarterback impregnating beautiful models.Even though some of the best medical professionals in the world practice in Boston, Rodney Harrison prefers a doctor in Orlando, Florida, who he wants to meet someday. For more on Rodney Harrison see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_Harrison
For more on the HGH aspect see http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2999994
Note: Some of this post has been fabricated and downey starched.
Joe in Birmingham - September 8, 2007
Lineups
HoustonPence, CF
Biggio, 2B
Berkman, 1B
Lee, LF
Loretta, SS
Scott, RF
Wigginton, 3B
Quintero, C
Rodriguez, P
NY Mets AB
Reyes, SS
Castillo, 2B
Wright, 3B
Beltran, CF
Alou, LF
Conine, 1B
Lo Duca, C
Milledge, RF
Pelfrey, P
Aha! A Quintero sighting!
Asrtos remain at 2 - 1, scoring 6.00 runs a game when Biggio hits second.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Bah..
Towles should start at least 3 out of 5 games...Stros Bro - September 7, 2007
Mets Get a Second Crack At Wandy
Rodriguez pitched the best game he's ever pitched--and maybe the best he ever WILL pitch-- vs. the Mets just before the break.Will payback be a bitch?
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Top One
Pence looks at sliders then strikes out on a fastballBiggio checks his his swing on a2-strike pitch outside but Doug Eddings don't think so
Biggio starts barking form the bench, then thinks better of it.
Berkman hits a long fly to center, I thought Beltran made a great play on it, so did the announcers and so did Berkman who just stopped between first and second. Then Carlos opened his glove and shook his head, so Berkman continued circling the bases
1 - 0 Astros.
lee grounds to Wright to end the inning.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
BIG PUMA!!!
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Bottom One
Reyes begins by striking out, but Castillo walks.Wright strikes out looking then Beltran grounds to Loretta to end the inning.
Another scoreless inning for Wandy vs. the Mets, say the Mets guys.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Another hit for LUUUUKE!
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
YES!
Luke steals second.. there you go, Luke.entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Interesting double play...
Thanks, Wandy. You owe us like 3 shut out innings now.entropic soul - September 7, 2007
for those of you not watching.
High chopper to ss misplaid bounces off of Reyes right to Castillo covering 2nd who then throws to first. Lets just say it was dumbass luck. Next time Wandy will just take his 3 strikes and go rest...TimStros - September 7, 2007
Mets Announcers
pointing out that Conine was well behind the first base bag and that a bunt down the 1B line could not have helped but score a run.Wandy leads the club in sacrifices with 11.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
yah
I was actually thinking that a bunt would be safer than swinging away.TimStros - September 7, 2007
Bottom Two
Old ally (though never a friend) Moises Alou grounds out to LorettaConine grounds to Wiggy
LoDuca walks, Wandy's second.
Milledge flies to Pence.
Moving on . . . .
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Nice, Loretta!
Nice to see him come through some time post All Star Break.entropic soul - September 7, 2007
What may have been
if Berkman had played this way back in April May June and July.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Ah yes....
Pre ASB: Scott and Berkman off, Lee and Loretta onPost ASB: Lee and Loretta off, Scott and Berkman on
meh
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
A wash?
Can't win for losing sometimes.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Carlos Lee
Actually, excluding the past week, didn't Carlos Lee have a great run in August?Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
.327 BA in August
.387 OBP .513 SLG, so . . . yeah.rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
I just looked up the splits
and he's actually doing better post ASB... so boo on me. :pentropic soul - September 7, 2007
Etcetera
Anyone counting the number of times Tom Seaver has said "etcetera" in this interview?Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
About the same
number of times Ty Wigginton has failed us! Argh!No, I dunno...
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Astros Do Score
a second run on Loretta's single, Berkman (who's reached with his two-out single comes around).Luke Scott walks to load the bases for Wigginton, who grounds out.
Alas.
But 2 - 0 Astros.
If anyone besides my lonely self cares (and I suspect that no-one does), Salem and Kinston are tied at 3 in the fourth. . . .
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Look out for the
Kinston Trio.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Not even close
Wigginton has had only one at-bat.I remember three etcetras after it caught my attention.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
I meant since he joined us...
I dunno.. It might not be that much. I just see him as kind of a weaker Mike Lamb.entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Bases Loaded record
What's the record for innings getting the bases loaded?and not scoring a run after loading the bases?
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Wandy is walking a lot tonight
Not a good way to get those 3 shut out innings he owes us...entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Bottom Three
Wandyness rears its ugly head as Pelfrey opens the inning by walking.REyes ks swinging, and he is having an atrocious game so far, an error, a should-have-been-in-a-fair-world error, and two whiffs.
Now Castillo walks, bringing up Wright, and here comes Wallace.
Wright goes to 3 - 1 then slaps one to the right center gap. Pence cmes over to field, as Pelfrey comes around. Pence's throw is kind of weak, and then Biggio boots it, kicks it off his ankle, and here comes Castillo.
Just like that, game tied, 2 - 2.
Wright into second, surprised he couldn't take third.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Too Many Walks
Wandy has walked four including two in this third inning. The two he walked this inning scored on a hit and an unforgiveable error. Surprisingly, and incorrectly, the error was given to Pence on his throw, but Biggio should have caught it easily. he was on the grass in right field and ball came right to him.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
3-2 Mets
Astros will come back.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Mets Announcers
You'd think a team in the city the size of New York City could find better TV announcers than the Mets have.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Nice Play Berkman
This is his night. I hope it pays off with an Astros win.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Gil Hodges
The Mets honored the memory of Gil Hodges before the game. Among other achievements, Gil Hodges managed the 1969 Miracle Mets. A number of players from that team are in attendance tonight and the broadcasters are interviewing them. We heard Tom Seaver and Ron Swoboda so far. They showed a film clip of Swoboda making a fantastic diving catch in center field. He was an intersting interview. I loved it when they asked what the thought of Gil Hodges. He said, basically, "Gil Hodges didn't like me, but he didn't like Cleon Jones even more so I played a lot."Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
BTW, Rick White
was given his unconditional release by the Mariners a few days ago.http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070906&content_id=2193645&vkey=news_s ea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
I liked Rick White
He was a bright light the first month or so then his arm gave out.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Terrific Play - Hunter Pence
Long run, awkward dive, fell to his knee but caught the ball. Looked stunned getting up.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Really awkward
like he tripped on the dirt or his own feet.entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Beltran homerun
makes it 4-2 MetsJoe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Beltran? Alou?
Is this an Astros Alumni versus the Astros du Jure game?Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Wandy out
Another poor road start for Wandy.. he's taken out before given up 7 or so runs, however. Sampson in.entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Sampson
promptly allows the 5th run to score.Another one of our guys that just went downhill.
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Chris Sampson
is not having success as a reliever.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Chris Sampson
has not been a successful reliever.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
What We Say Three Times Is True
Chris Sampson has been ineffectual as a relieverrastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Wandy does not finish the Fifth
5 runs allowred on 6 hits amn 4 walks, 4 strikeoutsJoe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
C'mon Astros
Pirates and Reds both winning comfortably at the moment.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Bases Loaded again
Quintero(who got on on a fielder's choice after Wigginton singled) is on third. Orlando Palmeiro singled & is on second. Hunter Pence singled and is on first.This is the third time this game (at least) that the Astros have loaded the bases. They did not score th efirst two tiems.
One out.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Outstanding catch for out two
Biggio bloops one to right. Looks like it'd drop in but Milledge in a belly flop dive catches it for out two.Bases remain loaded for Berkman.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Omar Minayas, Mets GM
Being interviewed.Be nice if the Astros could steal him from NY.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
No Score in the Inning
Berkman with a full count struck out on a check swing.That's the third time tonight the Astros could not score with the Bases loaded. Twice they had the bases loaded and only one out and couldn't score.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Astros Strike Out; Mets hit triples.
Reyes on third.Make that: Reyes scores on single to right.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Mets have bases loaded
One out.Let's see if they can score.
Mets may score double digit runs this game.
It's 7-2 now.
7-2; and both teams have 10 hits!!!!
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
8-2 on a sacrifce fly to right
2 men on; 2 outsJoe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Double Digit to 2 score
11-2 on a 3-run homerun.Mets do score when they get the bases loaded. Are you paying attention, Astros?
Psychowski was the ineffecitive pitcher for the Astros in teh first 2/3 of the sixth, giving up 6 runs.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
You just had to say
DOUBLE DIGITS.I blame this on you. >:(
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Nah. Not me
You could sense it was going to happen. The Astros defense was seven guys wandering around enjoying the night air with a deer in headlights look. Not sure what's happening behind the plate.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
"and a pitcher with"
add that phrase after "night air" in the previous post.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Weak
Weak weak weak pitchingentropic soul - September 7, 2007
Look at me! Look at me!
I'm the right fielder, see? I hit the ball and score runs too!Ok, I guess Coop knows that already.
entropic soul - September 7, 2007
Astros trying for double digit runs
Luke Scott scored the third Astros run on Ty Wigginton's drivre to the fence (on a bounce or two).Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Astros have out hit the Mets 12-11
with the Mets coming to bat in the seventh.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Juan Guiterrez in the Seventh
1-2-3 with a little help from Josh Anderson in left.Good Defense helps make good pitching.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Salem game
Is there a final score in the Salem game?Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Yes
Salem advances, winning 5 - 3 on two runs in the eighth.Chris Blazek gets the win with 2-1/3 innings of scorelss relief, striking out five.
box
At least someone in the organization will be playing for a championship.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Every Little bit of hope
is appreciatedJoe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
That's The Way I Look At It
Users here have said things like "the only reason I care about the minors is for the prospects who might make it to Houston," but that is not the way I roll.If they're part of the organization, I root for them, this goes way back to when I regularly drove up to Kissimmee for single A Osceola Astros games.
Like, I would imagine Chris Blazek only has a very small shot to ever play in Houston, but I am definitely happy for him this evening. The Avs might have only 3 or 4 players who ever make it to Houston, but I'll be rooting for ALL members of the team as they play their championshiop series.
Does it mean anything? Well, no more than what any particular Astros victory might mean. You pick your teams and you root for them, you know what I mean?
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Astros Pitcher #5: Troy Patton
No runs allowed, two runners stranded.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Bottom Eight
Patton replaces Gutierrez.Ruben Gotay doubles to greet him, but then Endy Chavez pops to Wiggy.
Conine walks, then Carlos Gomez grounds into a forceout, shortstop Burke (!) to secondbaseman Ransom, Conine out, and Gotay advancing.
Patton then goes 3 - 2 on Milledge before striking him out. Good work, Troy.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Chris Burke
made an Adam Everett-like catch on a hard grounder up the middle. It caught Cody Ransom off - guard and slightly out of position, but they got the runner at second.Earlier in the inning, Burke showed his weakness at short - a weak throw to first that beat the runner but which did not have much authority.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Shake-up in Standings?
Pirates won today. If Astros lose, they will be tied at the bottom of the NL Central.Cubs and Brewers both lost tobight. If the Cardinals win (and they are very early in their game with no score) the Cardinals will move into first place, percentage points ahead of the two teams tied for second. If Cardinals lose, Cubs and Brewers will be tied for first.
Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Game Over, Man
Willie Collazo gives up a leadoff single to Chris Burke but gets Ransom to forceout, Munson to fly out and Luke to ground out.Astros outhit the Mets but lose by 8 runs.
rastronomicals - September 7, 2007
Fox's Rosenthal saiid...
Cooper is the most secure manager in baseball (because McLane considers Selig to be a critical part of the Astros chain of command).Cooper needs to hope that is true, if the remainder of the season is going to be like the last two games...complete crushings by the Brewers and Mets.
clack - September 7, 2007
Should Astros Fire Bud Selig?
Selig kept the Brewers in the pits for his tenure as owenr there. Now you say he's destroying the Astros. Astros should fire him. (I know he's not technically an employee or paid by the Astros - don't correct me)Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Cecil Cooper
certainly has not rallied the troops.Joe in Birmingham - September 7, 2007
Wandy's quote:
"I have a bit of a problem with my left thumb, and I couldn't control my pitches," Rodriguez (8-13) said. "I can pitch, but I couldn't control my pitches."If you can't control your pitches, you can't pitch. If the pitcher is injured, start someone else. At this point in the season, it isn't a problem if a starter misses a turn.
clack - September 8, 2007
You're Old School
You're too logical for 21st century baseball.Joe in Birmingham - September 8, 2007
Not really fair
to anyone chasing the Mets.entropic soul - September 8, 2007
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