Friday Morning Astros, etc. Round Up

by Stephen Higdon on Jun 26, 2009 7:15 AM CDT in Link Dumps

It's Friday; you made it. The Astros open up the final series of interleague play (thankfully) and HLP and I will be in attendance tonight to see Verlander and Wandy square off. It's going to be a good day—I hope.

Richard Justice is attributing Lance Berkman's big game yesterday to the recent birth of his daughter. This has to be the first time an employee's performance at work will have been thought to have become better immediately after the birth of a child.
Alyson Footer champions Moehler's performance yesterday in spite of the ineptitude backing him in the field. Lance Berkman had this to say on the Astros recent stretch of dismal performance defensively:

"The defense has been terrible. It cost us the game last night, and today it could have cost us the game. We have to figure something out, a little more intensity and a little more concentration. You can't give teams extra outs in the Major Leagues and expect to win. We have been a good defensive team in the past and there's no reason we can't be. This year we just have to do it."

Astros.com notes that the bullpen, as of late, has been the only thing the Astros can rely on.
The Astros come in at 27th again on BtB's power rankings.
Sky crunches some numbers on the various power rankings over at BtB.
An interview with seventh rounder Dallas Keuchel.
Jason Castro and Chia-Jen Lo made the Future's Game.
Recently signed first round pick, Jiovanni Mier, will be heading to Greenville.
If you're going to grab a hot dog at your next 'Stros game, consider this tidbit from one of my all time favorites on the web; rest assured I'll be eating a hot dog tonight regardless.

0 recs | 11 comments

Comments

Interesting bit from the Dallas Keuchel Q&A

Q: Are you leaning toward signing with the Astros, or do you wish to return to Arkansas for your senior year?

A: Right now, I’m 50-50 on my decision. I really like the Astros, and I would like nothing more than to sign with them. However, I do have some unfinished business at Arkansas. Before the College World Series, I was set on signing. Now, after the special experience, I need to take some time to make the best decision for myself and family.

Q: What unfinished business do you need to take care of at Arkansas?

A: My goal was to win 20 career games. Currently, I have 19 wins. I really want to reach 20. Also, we have several guys from this World Series team coming back next year, combined with a solid recruiting class. If I return to Arkansas for my senior year, we have a chance to make it back to Omaha. Also, I might be able to improve my draft status.

AstroAndy - June 26, 2009 reply

And more:

Q: With nine of the first 11 picks signed, have the Astros turned their full attention toward you?

A: They have definitely been persistent. Jim (Stevenson) called and informed me that the Astros are prepared to make me an offer this week. He’s going to stop by the house in Tulsa. All he said was I’ll be happy with the offer, and it’s above the slotted system for being a seventh-round pick.

Q: What will it take for you to sign with Houston?

A: It’s going to come down to the offer. I believe I’ve earned a fair signing bonus. Like I said, I’m 50-50 on my decision, but if they make me an offer I can’t refuse, I’m going to lean toward signing with the Astros.

AstroAndy - June 26, 2009 reply

thanks for pointing that out.

it seems like the Astros may have a tough signing with Keuchel. But I have to agree with Keuchel that he probably earned a good bonus. He helped himself in the college world series, and, as Heck said, he is a possible steal i n the 7th round.

clack - June 26, 2009 reply

I disagree with Richard Justice on Berkman

Berkman had two bad nights after his daugher was born. I think getting that first homerun loosened him up for the second. Berkman sooner or later had to get hits. It just happened the same week his daughter was born.

I agree wholeheartedly with Alyson Footer. Brian Moehler really bore down and salvaged last night’s game.

I think we all agree with Lance Berkman on the Astros recent defensive lapses.

Joe in Birmingham - June 26, 2009 reply

It's interesting

For me, at least, to see which stories are the ones that people comment on. It’s never an issue of position, quote or no quote…fascinating.

Stephen Higdon - June 26, 2009 reply

I don't think Justice realizes how much Berkman's offense has improved during the season.

Justice makes it seem like Berkman is a horrible offensive player this season. Berkman’s current OPS is .885. His OPS over the previous 28 days is .967, which is better than his career OPS. Berkman’s current 2009 OPS is 40 points higher than Carlos Lee’s career OPS. My point is that Berkman’s current offensive performance would be an above average performance for Carlos Lee, whom Justice often cites as a great hitter. Of course, we have higher expectations for Berkman, and I suspect he will end up with an OPS somewhere in the .900-plus area.

clack - June 26, 2009 reply