Grapefruit League Record for 2010 (which is meaningless anyway): 3-3
Today's starters: LHP Wandy Rodriguez vs. RHP Hayden Penn
Here's the Astros lineup, per Footer's TwitPic:
1) Cory Sullivan, CF
2) Kazuo Matsui, 2B
3) Hunter Pence, RF
4) Carlos Lee, LF
5) Lance Berkman, 1B
6) Pedro Feliz, 3B
7) J.R. Towles, C
8) Edwin Maysonet, SS
9) Wandy Rodriguez, P
Pitchers listed on the lineup card are Fernando Abad, Wesley Wright, Felipe Paulino, Henry Villar, Gary Majewski and Roy Corcoran. It appears Paulino and Wandy will both throw three innings, instead of Paulino starting a B/split-squad game instead. It'll also be the second outing for Abad, after giving up two hits in his only inning of work in his last outing.
Also interesting that Cory Sullivan is giving Michael Bourn a day off. This is the first time both Bourn and Tommy Manzella have been out of the starting lineup all spring.
Here's the Marlins lineup too, for those that are curious:
1) Chris Coghlan, LF
2) Brian Barden, SS
3) Mike Stanton, RF
4) Dan Uggla, 2B
5) Ronny Paulino, C
6) Wes Helms, 3B
7) Gaby Sanchez, 1B
8) Brett Carroll, CF
9) Hayden Penn, P
0 recs | 138 comments
Wandy opens with a strikeout
And then Pence takes a bad route to a ball, runner on first with one out
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Stanton just DESTROYED one of Wandy's pitches
Said it went over the back field fence. Just a bomb.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Wow, now another one… Wandy’s getting pounded
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Uggla went back-to-back
Remember when he led off with a strikeout? That was sweet…
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Stanton hits a HR. Milo had said RHBs would like the way the wind is blowing out….and he points to this an example. But maybe not such a good example, since it was hit so hard.
Now Uggla with a HR.
I won’t be able to listen throughout the game.
clack - March 10, 2010
Footer tweeted that Uggla's homer landed in the same spot as Stanton's
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
It's now 3-0 Florida
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Two bouncers end the inning
Let’s just hope there aren’t many more long balls in Wandy’s future. With Paulino pitching next, it could get ugly real quick.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Marlins’ hitters always seem to hit the Astros’ pitching well. I guess it’s the same in the spring as the regular season.
clack - March 10, 2010
To be fair, their hitters aren’t slouches. Uggla and Stanton both have legit power.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Oh, Milo
He just referred to Brad Mills as ‘Millsy’ Can you just add “y” to anyone’s name for a nickname? Coleman-y?
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
In fairness, that is Mills’ nickname. He was called that in Boston.
clack - March 10, 2010
I’m not surprised. Just wish we could go back to baseball players having cool nicknames.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I don't like the name"Millsy"
I know it’s his nickanme but I don’t like it anyway.
Joe in Birmingham - March 10, 2010
I Hate it
entropic soul - March 10, 2010
So let's start a new one
Some of y’all have suspected that J. D. or Justice have cruised by here before—let’s make up a new nickname for Mills and see if it catches on.
The MillsMan? Millsmaster? Or, -meister?
Danyah - March 10, 2010
Milli-Vanilli?
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
General Mills?
clack - March 10, 2010
If going for Military reference (rather than a cereal)
I’d prefer The Colonel or Sarge.
None of the suggestions so far cut it
Joe in Birmingham - March 10, 2010
Two quick outs for Marlins
Let’s get something going, Hunter
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Is this the third different 3-4-5 order we've seen from Mills?
With Pence, Lee and Berkman revolving through all three spots?
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
without looking it seems that way.
Mills must like experimenting in the spring, because he says that is philosophy is to have a set lineup during the season, so that players know where they will hit all the time. (Not that I think it is so important to have a set lineup, but a lot of fans hated the continual movement in Cooper’s lineups.)
clack - March 10, 2010
It’s an interesting approach. I like it if Mills is trying to get a feel for where these guys can hit best. Rather than taking past approaches, he’s figuring it out for himself when the games don’t matter.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Pence hits a bullet at third baseman Wes Helms
End of the first, 3-0 Marlins
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
One pitch, one out for Wandy
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Maysonet makes a great play on a liner
Could he make the team as the shortstop backup?
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I have wondered the same thing.
But I think he would have to show that he can handle playing the outfield too (replacing the 5th outfielder). Wade said that Maysonet’s chance to make the 25 man will depend on his versatility, including the outfield. (Maysonet said he needs to get more time in the outfield this spring, if that’s what they expect.)
clack - March 10, 2010
I wonder if they'll start playing him out there toward the end of the spring
If he keeps playing this well
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
1-2-3 top of the second for Wandy
A better sign than those two home runs. Let’s hope his third inning goes as smoothly
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Filed under, 'Things you'll only see in the spring'
Carlos Lee squares to bunt. Popped up for first out in the bottom of the second.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I would like to have seen the expression on Carlos’ face when he did that. I bet he was smiling.
clack - March 10, 2010
Berkman flies out to right field
Apparently made good contact with it, just didn’t find the gap.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Feliz strikes out to end the second
The Astros have not had a baserunner yet.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Coughlin doubles to lead off third inning
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Another good play by Maysonet
He’s apparently acquitting himself well with his first start at short this spring. Hopefully any concerns the Astros have over his makeup will be alleviated.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Jinxed!
Error by Maysonet lets Coughlin score. Stanton on second with one out. 4-0 Marlins
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Uggla doubles off outfield wall, 5-0 Marlins
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Uggla and Stanton have Wandy's number, apparently
OremLK - March 10, 2010
9-2-6 out to end the third
Wandy’s line is now 3 IP, 6 runs, 5 ER, 1 strikeout, no walks
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Oh and 6 hits
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
9-2-6?
That must have been fun to see.
Joe in Birmingham - March 10, 2010
Comebacker to the mound for Towles
Seven in a row now retired by Penn
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Bouncer to short for second out
Jason Michaels batting for Wandy
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Bouncer to second
Nine in a row retired for Penn. I tried to reverse jinx him. No luck.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Felipe Paulino in for Wandy
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Leadoff single greets Paulino
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I don’t know if I like having Paulino coming into the middle of the game. Last year he showed a negative attitude toward coming out of the bullpen in games.
Not that I endorse Paulino’s crying but I’m a bit concerned about his results coming out of the pen.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Agreed
This isn’t the best outing for him.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
In spring training
don’t starters come in during middle innings – it’s not like a reliever role where they don’t know if they will be called. It’s scheduled . It’s like starting (except in the fourth inning instead of the first)
Joe in Birmingham - March 10, 2010
yeah, I’ve heard them call it “piggy backing starters.”
clack - March 10, 2010
Ya
And I Imagine the veterans and proven starters get first dibbs, but I think it’s more of a psychological thing for Paulino. Sure it’s a spring training game, but he’s still coming out of the bullpen.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
A double puts men on second and third
Looks like he’s not reacting well to the relief appearance this time too. Not good times. Can a spring game be over by the top of the fourth?
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Sensing a little carefully veiled hostility toward Paulino
It’s unfortunate the importance so many media guys put on W/L records, and to a lesser extent, ERA in small sample sizes.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
I got that too
They focus on his size and how he hasn’t ‘harnessed’ his potential. Which is crap. Take a few home runs away, give him a few less hits on batted balls, and Paulino would be considered a great success last season, especially coming off the shoulder injury.
As much as I think Milo is getting old, I really have not taken to these two new radio guys.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I’d love to hear JD and Brownie on the radio, kind of like a Vin Scully thing where they cover both the TV and Radio announcing.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Oh, that'd be awesome
JD on the radio? Yes and yes.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I noticed how they focused on his bad games, how he can’t get batters out, but fail to mention that he pitched some gems (which is where a lot of the potential can be seen).
clack - March 10, 2010
I don't like the radio guys either (Except I still like Milo's voice)
Last year I realized Bret Dolan is not that bad; but Dave Raymond is terrible. Sadly on casual listen their voices sound the same so I criticize them as a unit.
Joe in Birmingham - March 10, 2010
same here, in terms of blaming them as a unit.
clack - March 10, 2010
I’ve actually talked with a friend of mine about this. He agreed one of the guys is pretty good, but could never remember which one it was.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
oh, our radio guys are avidly traditionalistic about stats. One of the two “new guys” has expressed hostility toward sabermetrics in last spring training.
clack - March 10, 2010
Can you even tell the difference between the two yet?
I have trouble and I’ve been listening to them for a while now.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
same!
I could never tell Kevin Kennedy and Rob Dibble either on XM’s Homeplate when they were together.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
I was trying to recall the rant had about sabermetrics. I think Bill James’ name had come up or something, and he kind of ridiculed sabermetrics. I recall that he said sabermetrics hates stolen bases and speed on the base path, which he thinks is wrong. What’s wrong is his description of sabermetrics.
clack - March 10, 2010
Strikeout by Paulino for first out
He’s a third of the way out of this terrible situation
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Sac fly makes it 7-0
But Paulino now has two outs. That was a LOOONG at-bat by Coughlin and it was good to see him get out of it with an out.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I like Coughlin. I voted for him as NL ROY here at TCB. (I think we had a poll…but I can’t recall if it was just a comment on HLP’s vote). The guy is actually a 2d baseman. If the Marlins ever traded Uggla, they could put Coughlin at 2d base where he would have a lot of value with his offensive ability.
clack - March 10, 2010
He was definitely impressive last season
The Marlins are a great example of how a bad owner doesn’t have to hamstring your organization. By making smart trades and drafting well, they’ve been able to contend, reload, contend, reload. It’s the goal for all teams not named Yankees or Red Sox.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Or those in a horrible stadium with little fan support =P
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Coghlan showed some basestealing ability at AA too, which didn’t show up much in his rookie season at the majors… wonder if that will change this year. It’s obviously far too early to make such lofty predictions, but early returns suggest he has the potential for a Biggio-like career if he moves to 2B. High batting average, fairly patient, doubles power, speed.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Uh-oh
Mills is out to the mound already
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Arnsberg, I thought.
clack - March 10, 2010
Hmm, guess I heard it wrong.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I never realized both Mills and Arnsberg had the same first name.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Some control issues by Paulino
The radio guys are really hammering him now. Seven consecutive pitches out of the zone.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Bases juiced
Ducks on the pond, ducks on the pond. Let’s get out of this Felipe.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
He's out of it with a K.
clack - March 10, 2010
Strikeout ended the inning
He just needed the pressure. 7-0 Marlins through 4 1/2
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Through 3 1/2....
I can add, really….
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Friendly scorer gives Matsui a hit
It’s the first for the Astros in the game.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Inning over
I was wrong, it’s 8-0 Marlins through four. I’m making a Jamba Juice run, so you guys will be out the running commentary for about 20 minutes. Try to contain the disappointment, but feel free to sub for me until I get back.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Majewski in to pitch
clack - March 10, 2010
Majewski not starting off well…first three batters reach base.
clack - March 10, 2010
gets his first out on a K. Coughlin up with bases loaded.
clack - March 10, 2010
Coughlin with gapper LD....he has a triple.
11-0.
clack - March 10, 2010
Glad this is Spring Training.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Coughlin scores now on sac fly, I think.
clack - March 10, 2010
Berkman with well hit single up the middle.
clack - March 10, 2010
Feliz doubles off the fence. Hitting with authority right now. Astros score run.
clack - March 10, 2010
correction...Berkman didn't score on Feliz double...he is at third.
clack - March 10, 2010
clogging the bases
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
now he scores on Maysonet sac fly
clack - March 10, 2010
HR Chris Johnson, Astros now have 3 runs.
clack - March 10, 2010
why must you tease me
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Sounded like a solid homer for Johnson
Hit it on the first pitch he saw
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Ha
Milo just said Pence was a good base runner
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
To be fair, Pence is pretty quick to first, which was what Milo was discussing at the time (beating out an infield hit). I think his problem is more that he often doesn’t make good decisions on the basepaths.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
True
But he also was second on the team last year with 25 GDP which to me seems to indicate he’s not quick enough down the line, but that’s probably just bad luck.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
He has a higher than average GB %, plus he seems to try and pull too many pitches on the outside corner, resulting in a lot of tailor made DP balls. Even though he is fast down the line, that doesn’t overcome the other two factors.
clack - March 10, 2010
Drayton just said
“were hitting better and pitching better” in a 12 – 1 game….the other team leading.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
excuse me
12 -3
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
I leave for 20 minutes...
And the two teams combine for 8 runs? As many runs as had been scored before I left? Ridiculous!
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Abad in to pitch
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Quick flyout for Abad
Followed by a double down the line
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Two outs now
Pretty quick inning so far
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
And Drayton doesn't know how old Abad is
Much less what his name is…
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Another double scores another Fish
13-4 Marlins
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
So what was Abad’s line? 1IP, 1ER? Did he get any strikeouts or walk anybody?
OremLK - March 10, 2010
I think it was 1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Gotcha, thanks.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Wasn’t paying attention.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Drayton just asked Milo, 'Do you like statistics?'
So, so many answers to that question
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Did Milo respond:
“As long as their not forced?”
or did I hear that wrong.
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Yep, that's what I heard
I have no idea what he meant, either.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I’m laughing out loud here at that entire conversation. Oh, boy.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Base hit for Maysonet
His first hit of the day. Surprised to see him still in there. He’ll probably go the distance, though, with Navarro in at second
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Apparently, Kepp pinch-hit for Maysonet
Way to prove me wrong immediately Brad Mills. We will have words this season if it continues
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I think Kepp came in to pinch run
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
That's what I meant
Don’t I wish we could edit comments…I’d sound a lot smarter
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
haha
so would I, I’m constantly missing words from sentences =/
Timothy De Block - March 10, 2010
Double play on an 8-3 trap play in center.
Milo and Mills are disputing the call
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Bogusevic in for Pence
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
It's a couple innings ago now
But I was very impressed with Villar’s work. Very efficient, got a strikeout on a foul tip and a weak grounder. Looked like he could be better than I thought.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Bogey strikes out to end the seventh
13-4 Marlins
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
And the top half of the eighth ends quietly
Didn’t hear who was pitching though. Was it Wright?
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Thought it was Abad again.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
It’ll be interesting to see if that means he still has a chance to start, or if it was due to a lack of arms b/c of Paulino’s short outing.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
One away for Wesley Wright
He relieved Abad after his two-inning stint.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Brett Carroll homers off Wright
And the hits just keep on coming. The Astros apparently think, ‘If we’re going to lose, we might as well lose spectacularly’
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Two more doubles
And in comes another run. 16-4 Marlins
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
The Astros have last bats
Down 12 runs with three more outs. They can do it!
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Lou Santangelo in the game
A second straight appearance. Must be trying to get a couple of home runs out of him.
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Now, Drew Locke is in the game
Followed by Chris Johnson, or as I like to call them, Round Rock’s Heart of the Order
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I know it probably shouldn’t, but this nice Spring Training has given me some hope that Johnson might just go down and show more power this season at AAA, maybe even earn a call up at some point this year. He’ll really have to find more ISO this year to make up for his shortcomings in plate discipline, though.
OremLK - March 10, 2010
Locke doubles down the left field line
Wooo
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
And yes, Milo said, "Locke...has a lock on a double."
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
Game over
16-4 Florida win
Astros record now 3-4
David Coleman - March 10, 2010
I feel their pain
Baltimore lost six in a row after winning its first gme of Spring training,
Washington lost its first eight games.
Joe in Birmingham - March 10, 2010
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