Jastro’s
ASTROS
2008 Astros start Grapefruit League Play
JASTROWORLD is evolving, but you can catch the daily action by clicking here.
September 20, 2007: New GM Ed Wade Takes Charge in Blow-out at Busch
The Astros, under newly announced GM, rout the lackluster Cards, governed by lame-duck Skipper LaRussa; 18-1.
September 15, 2007: Rock-Bottom?
The Astros share the worst record in baseball (not counting TB) with their 2005 World Series opponents, the White Sox. Wow. And folks, the Astros were only a .500 team back then; and the fans were ecstatic! The “kids” (Anderson) played well in their first major league start. Did it occur to anybody that the possibility of injury must increase substantially if you not only substitute an out-fielder but shuffle the whole deck?
Comcast in Portland, OR doesn’t offer this afternoon’s game on its MLB package—and not due to FOX—so Jastro will miss seeing Towles catching Wandy. Milo always does a good job and he will be on Gameday Audio, but Wandy’s curveball is hard to see on the radio. Let’s win today, GO ASTROS! Please see The Real Story
September 14, 2007: The 2008 Astros
Jastro is satisfied with the existing pitching
options for next season; and with starting sixty percent of the games with
Oswalt, Rodriguez and Williams on the mound.
Williams always provides better than expected and Wandy earned his
stripes as a top-of-the-rotation starter at Wrigley on August 31st. With Backe, Albers, Sampson, Patton and
The starting outfield of Horsey, Spencer and Scottie works for Jastro, and Lane will be a capable and thrifty back-up outfielder/pinch-batter. Shoot, Palmeiro is no slouch in the outfield, either.
The infield of Puma and a healthy Slick are solid, leaving second-base, shortstop, third-base, two catchers (plus Ausmussy as Player-Manager) and a utility infielder as holes to fill. Burkypoo might be adequate at second, if he would quit tripping over the MLB patch on his jersey. Burkypoo hasn’t been given time at short, so it’s hard to consider him for the utility guy.
Anderson and Conrad seem hardly worth considering, leaving Towles as the only “kid” the Stros need to see play. Lamb is lame, not an option for 2008. Burkypoo, Wiggy, Munson and Loretta should be fighting for spots.
With that in mind, Jastro fills out the line-up card for tonight’s series opener against the Buccos and Snell as follows: CF Spencer, RF Scottie, 1B Puma, LF Horsey, 3B Wigginton, C Munson, 2B Biggio (or Loretta), SS Burke and Oswalt on the hill. Of course, Coop has his own agenda and line-up card, which he will submit later. Let’s win today, GO ASTROS! Please see The Real Story for a discussion and nomination for Manager and GM.
September 13, 2007: Cubbies Out-Everything Astros, Sealing the Coffin
Out-score, out-hit, out-homer, out-field and out-pitch another team in MLB and win baseball games. Since the Brewers were idle today, the Cubbies take over first place in the Central with their 6-2 whooping of the Stros. The Magic Number remains at 29. The Elimination Number falls to 5, with 17 games remaining. Please see The Real Story for a discussion and nomination for Manager and GM.
September 13, 2007: Stros are Getting Boring in 3-2 Loss to Cubbies
Jastro must confess that he dozed off and missed
the ninth inning of last night’s loss to the Cubbies. Not to excuse the inexcusable; after
reviewing the various media sources available in
Williams will pitch against Trachsel tonight and Jastro submits the following lineup for the 7:05 pm (CT) game: CF Pence, RF Scott, 1B Berkman, LF Lee, 3B Wigginton, 2B Biggio (unless…, then Loretta), C Munson, SS Burke, and Williams. Of course, Coop will submit the official lineup later today. Let’s win today, GO ASTROS!
Jastro’s off to the
September 12, 2007: Albers to Face Cubbies’ Lefty, Hill, on the Hill at Minute-Maid
Unfortunately, the Brewers beat the Pirates last night and took over first place from the Cubbies, so the Magic Number decreased by only one and stands at 30 with 18 games remaining. Even with the Stros’ 5-4, eleventh-inning win over the Cubbies, the Elimination Number fell to 8 with the win by the Brewers.
Go figure, Scott has not faced the lefty. Jastro submits the following lineup for the 7:05 pm (CT) game: CF Pence, RF Scott, 1B Berkman, LF Lee, 3B Wigginton, 2B Biggio (unless…, then Loretta), C Ausmus, SS Burke, and Albers. Of course, Coop will submit the official lineup later today. Let’s win again today, GO ASTROS! Please see The Real Story
September 11, 2007: Backe Opens Homestand against Marquis and the Cubbies
The Stros, behind Backe, should win easily in tonight’s series opener with Marquis on the mound. The Cubbies’ righty has been hit well by most of the Stros this season, appearing three times and winning once when he should have lost, losing once, and taking a no-decision in another game he should have lost—making Marquis about the same as most NL starters when they start against Houston.
The Magic Number is now 31 and the Elimination number is 9, with 19 games remaining for the Astros. To win this game, Jastro proposes the following starting lineup: CF Pence, RF Scott, 1b Berkman, LF Lee, 3B Wigginton, 2B Biggio (unless…), SS Burke, C Munson and Backe on the mound. Of course, Coop will certainly hit Loretta fifth, submitting the official lineup for tonight’s game. Let’s start winning again today, GO ASTROS! Please see The Real Story
September 9, 2007: Classic Stros Under-Achievement on Display at Shea
Most teams would love to have the fifteen men on base that the Stros left this afternoon in a 4-1 loss; where, again, the Stros out-hit the opponent.
September 9, 2007: Burkypoo Not in Starting Lineup?
Have the Stros, like Jastro, determined that Burkypoo is not a part of the team’s future? Burkypoo must play every game (unless he is hurt) if he is still being evaluated. Jastro dreads the other possibility—that Burkypoo IS the starting second-bagger next year. Hopefully, the Stros have learned something from the 2007 season!
We should see a great ballgame today, hopefully Jastro gets FSN-Houston. Let’s start winning again with a win today, GO ASTROS!
September 8, 2007: Glavine Pitches Stros to Mid-Season Form, Wins 3-1
The Stros managed just three hits from Glavine; the first was erased within seconds on a GIDP and the other two started the eighth inning, chasing Glavine. Right-handed reliever Hielman gave up an RBI single, then struck out the two lefty pinch-batters and Munson—two on swinging third strikes—to end the threat for the Stros.
Oswalt will start against Pedro Martinez in tomorrow’s series finale at Shea.
September 8, 2007: Same Stros Different Players
The Magic Number for the Stros decreased to 32 with the Cubbies, Brewers and Cards all losing yesterday, and the Stros have 21 games to play. Imagine the possibilities if the Stros started finding ways to win instead of lose! Even without an active Manager on contract, the Stros spend way too much time managing and way too little time coaching fundamentals. Quintero’s performance had to hurt more than the Pelfrey fastball that beaned him in the wrist to load the bases during the second inning yesterday. Q’s 0-3 at the plate, leaving two Stros stranded, is baseball; throwing the ball around the horn after Gutierrez struck Jorge Sosa out swinging to end the back-breaking sixth inning is not baseball. Of course, the Stros infield almost completed the around-the-horn…..
The Stros are hitting the ball, walking, being hit with the ball and otherwise managing to reach base. Instead of extra batting practice, the Stros need fielding and base-running practice. It is absurd to play an infield shift when the team does not execute in normal positioning.
Thanks to FOX’ s baseball contract today’s game
will not be televised in
September 7, 2007: Rodriguez Opens Three Game Series at Shea
The Magic Number for the Stros decreased to 33 with
the Cubbies loss yesterday to the Dodgers and the Stros have 22 games to
play. Mets righty Pelfrey will start for
the second time against the Stros this season, losing 7-4 in
September 5, 2007: Brewers Bring Homer Shoes and Walking Bats, Win by Two Touchdowns in 14-2 Rout
The 3-4-5-6 spots in the Brewers’ order hit five homers, including three-run blasts by Fielder in the first (off of Pence’s glove at the yellow line in deep center after two walks to open the game by Albers), Braun in the second (walking like he’s king-shit after the swing) and Hall in the fourth (again after two walks). Albers should have been hit for in the third and Paulino should have lasted less. Scott’s two-run dinger in the ninth, off lefty King, provided the runs for the Stros. The Magic Number for the Stros remains 34, but only 23 games to play. More to follow (Jastro’s doing the Week 1 NFL Pick-Ems), so please check back!
September 5, 2007:
Stros Send Albers to the Mound to Win the Series in Milwaukee
Albers (4-6, 5.36) is making his fourteenth start this year and is coming off an impressive start against the Cardinals last week, throwing seven innings of three-hit ball and getting the victory with a 2-1 win at home. He walked four batters and worked around an error in the effort. The Brewers send righty Yovani Gallardo (6-4, 4.66) to the mound for his thirteenth start of the season and career in the majors.
Jastro fills out the lineup card as follows: CF Pence, SS Burkypoo, 1B Berkman, LF Lee, RF Scott, 3B Wigginton, 2B Biggio (or Loretta if Biggio chooses not to play), C Munson and Albers batting ninth. Of course, Cooper will submit his own lineup. Let’s start winning again with a win today, GO ASTROS! Please see The Real Story
September 4, 2007: Backe Throws Well and Lee Runs Both Grounders Out in 5-3 Loss
Since the Cubbies lost to the Dodgers, 6-3, the Magic Number reduced to 34 games. With 24 games to play, the Stros keep blowing opportunities to close that gap. Other noteworthies will be detailed, really detailed, soon. Please check back, it will be fun!
September 4, 2007: Brandon Backe to Start for Stros
The Magic Number is now 35 with 24 games
remaining.
September 3, 2007:
Stros Hang Tough Loss on Brewers in Milwaukee
Pence led the charge with a Walk, single, double
and the game-tying, two-run triple. He
scored twice, including the game-winner on a passed-ball by Estrada, was picked
off of first by Sheets and threw out Estrada at third to end the fourth inning
with a one run lead. Berkman sent
Brewer’s righty, Spurling’s hurling, hurling out of
September 3, 2007: Oswalt and Sheets in Afternoon Game on Labor Day, Sweet!
The Magic number is still 37, but just 25 games remain. The Stros continue to beat themselves, only now we call it reconstruction. Please see The Real Story
Jastro fills out the lineup card supporting Oswalt
as follows: CF Pence, SS Burkypoo, 1B
Berkman, LF Lee, RF Scott, 3B Wigginton, 2B Biggio (or Loretta if Biggio
chooses not to face Sheets), C Ausmus and Oswalt batting ninth. Of course, Cooper will submit his own lineup;
most predictably, except he may start
September 2, 2007:
Cubbies Feast on Opportunity in 6-5 Win
Much more to come on this disappointing loss…………way too upset to pite in rublic!
September 2, 2007: Woody Fun to Watch, Expect Great Game in Series Finale at Wrigley
Lefty Rich Hill (8-7, 3.68) takes the mound for the
Cubbies at 11:20 pt (
The Stros’ magic number is still 37, with 26 games to play. Let’s start winning again today, GO ASTROS!
September 1, 2007: Patton Loses Battle at Wrigley; Wrigley2 and Cooper, too?
Jastrodomus or Jastrodumbass (Jack-Astro to my friends), the Stros are still in the game with Jastro’s lineup, offensively. Defensively, well, it was better. The Stros lost 4-3 in a knailbiter at the friendly confines.
QUESTION OF THE GAME: If the centerfielder (Spencer) misses both of the cutoff men, Burkypoo and Loretta in the run-scoring Cubbies’ third, isn’t one (or both) of the cutoff men out of position? Runner-Up: Why did Patton start the sixth?—tied with—Sampson start the eighth?—tied with— Lamb pinch for Ausmus to send Marquis to the showers with the pitcher-spot on deck and two outs in the seventh?
September 1, 2007:
Patton Takes Mound at Wrigley in Early Start (10 am in Portland
Righty Marquis (10-8, 4.26) will start for the Cubbies. Patton should be flanked with the following lineup: CF Pence, SS Burkypoo, 1B Berkman, LF Lee, RF Scott, 3B Wigginton, 2B Loretta—assuming Biggio takes a breather, and C Ausmus. Ausmus catching Patton because Ausmus will better guide/protect the top prospect as Patton makes his second start in the majors. Of course, Copper will submit his own lineup. Please see The Real Story
The bullpen is rested, the team is on a roll and this should be a great ballgame. Let’s keep winning today, GO ASTROS!
August 31, 2007: Winning is Contagious; Feed the Fever, Jastrodomus!
Any Stros fans doubt that Scott is the better player for the five spot playing right? If ya’ gotta’ play ‘m, Burkypoo should be at short; batting second, until Slick returns …
Spencer (6-pence; makes sense 2 me) drives in five on two homers, scores three as Wandy gets the victory in the Stros 6-1 win. The Stros pick up big in the standings as their magic number improves to 37 with 28 games remaining. More to come…..
August 31, 2007: Wandy at Wrigley; Fun, Fun!
The Stros get a big series win and some momentum going into this afternoon’s game at beautiful Wrigley Field. Albers had another fine start, Berkman hit his second dinger in as many games and Lamb had a highlight play at third. Fortunately, stranding Pence on third with no outs in the sixth and blowing two bases-loaded opportunities in the eighth did not matter in the 2-1 win for the Stros.
The Stros send Wandy to the mound facing the left-hander Marshall for the Cubbies. Bruntlett should bat second playing short, Scott should bat fifth playing right, Biggio should bat seventh playing second and Ausmus should bat eighth in this afternoon’s lineup.
Why not Burkypoo in right? Burkypoo will never be a starting outfielder anywhere else in the majors and is not the Stros rightfielder of the future, so why start him in place of Scott today? Would you rather a left-handed Scott bat against a lefty than Burkypoo bat against, well, anyone?
Wandy is so much fun to watch pitch it’s irritating! Irritating because Wandy must be the most squeezed pitcher in the bigs. Plate umps often miscall Wandy’s excellent curve and strikeouts often become walks, or worse if Wandy must groove one. There is no big mystery with Wandy’s ERA gap, home verses away, it is all in the ump. Wandy’s pitches are easier to call at home, period….
The Stros have a great opportunity to beat another winner in the division. Let’s keep winning today, GO ASTROS!
August 30, 2007: Stros Go For Series Win, Cards to Fall 2 Games Back!
The Stros handed Cooper win number one as their Skipper last night, as the team reversed roles from Tuesday by shutting out the Cards 7-0. Cooper’s lineup paid off last night, though it could have been the Bad News Bears the way Oswalt pitched. A couple of more lineup tweaks will be required for the Stros to win a close game, and Loretta figures in both.
First, Biggio and Loretta should never be on the
same field, defensively; and Loretta should not bat in the five spot. Loretta is not even a temporary fix at
shortstop. He was acquired to back up
Biggio because Burkypoo was to star in center.
If Burkypoo will now back up Biggio, then Loretta is a bench dude, just
like Lamb. That leaves Bruntlett (or a
call-up) to play short until
For getaway day, with the afternoon start (11:00 am in Portland), the following lineup should do the trick against the Cards’ righty Pineiro: CF Pence, SS Bruntlett, 1B Berkman, LF Lee, RF Scott, 3b Wigginton, 2B Burkypoo, C Munson, and Albers on the mound. Let’s keep winning today, GO ASTROS!
August 29, 2007: Stros looked like losers last night, take sole possession of last place convincingly.
Hopefully Cooper told the players how the cow ate the cabbage (?), in no uncertain terms. His lineup last night looked familiar and needs just a couple of changes: Pence should lead off, followed by Bruntlett at short (Loretta should play second base, only), Berkman, Lee, Scott, Wigginton, Biggio, Ausmus and Oswalt. The pitcher, catcher and second baseman should be the only starters that change. Loretta should spell Biggio when Biggio sits out. Burke can pinch-run, sparingly! Let’s start winning tonight, GO ASTROS!
August 28, 2007: Ownership shows life, sheds Purpura and Garner!
The Stros returned home last Monday trailing the NLC leading Cubs by eight games with 38 games remaining in the regular season. The Stros were beginning a 10-game home stand with four against the lowly Nationals, followed by three with the NLC last place Pirates. The Stros were in position to make a run for the NLC pennant, still and again!
Today, just a week later, the Stros have not only lost five of seven games, they lost their GM and their Skipper; though a pennant chase remains in their grasp, should they have the desire to win it. The swift management dismissals may indicate to some an ownership intention to move on to next season: I hope it indicates the urgency required to make this post-season. The NLC pennant chase begins Tuesday with the Stros nine games behind the Cubs, tied for last.
Oswalt, according to an article by Alyson Footer/MLB.com, apparently does not believe there is a run to be made this year by the Stros. Have the players given up, has Oswalt? The NLC may be won with 83 wins again this year. Rather than jog the entire marathon, the Stros could sprint to an NLC title with a 25-6 finish. Here’s to McLane, Smith and Copper making it clear to the coaches and players that there is still a championship in site before the Stros take the field for tonight’s game!
Win tonight most importantly, sweep the three-game Cardinal series, three more wins at Chicago will be big, and take three – or even two – in Milwaukee; and the race will be on. Winning is believing. Let’s start winning tonight!
NOTE: Jastro
has been pre-occupied with moving to
May 17, 2007: Bonds is due for a dinger and Oswalt will challenge the Giants as Astros look to sweep series and extend win streak to five. A great game to watch on FSN in HD!
May 16, 2007: New Dad Sampson awarded win on fourth-inning blast by Spencer onto the train tracks in 2-1 win, assuring Astros of first series win over the Giants at Juicy Fruit Field
May 15, 2007: Lee’s 2nd homer of the game is a walk-off in the tenth inning in 6-5 win over Giants. Williams and Spencer add homers and Bonds held homerless.
May 14, 2007: Day Off for Astros to ponder their season.
May 13, 2007: Rodriguez gets first win as ‘Stros beat D-backs 5-2, win series with pink bats on Mother’s Day
May 12, 2007: Oswalt gets win #6 as Lamb, Lee, Scott and Spencer all go deep in Astros 10-4 win over D-backs.
May 11, 2007: Webb Gem spoiled as ‘Stros avoid complete-game shutout with run in ninth inning, lose 3-1.
May 10, 2007: Wow, we have games to lose – tell that to the Brewers – so we do, 9-5! The Real Story
Garner obviously has no urgency, why should I even care? A broken clock is right twice a day, what’s your excuse Burke; nice homer.
Dreaming about managing in the big leagues never
included recipes to lose; but
May 10, 2007: ‘Stros should fly home on the brooms they use to clean up the Great American Ballpark: Albers takes the mound in early game on travel day for those streaking ‘Stros
The ‘Stros are looking for the sweep in
The apartment owners are repairing the sidewalk below me, without power tools, so I think I will watch the game at the local pub – just a hop and a skip away. Hey, at least I will be watching! Go Astros!
May 9, 2007: Reds give Williams first ‘Stros win on 3 unearned runs in 3-2 victory
Williams drives in game-winning RBI with a hard line-drive hit to center in fourth inning and Berkman homers for third straight game.
May 9, 2007: Williams on the mound again and hitters are streaking; Decision Time The Real Story
Biggio and Lee have 7 game hitting streaks and Berkman has an eight game hitting streak. Berkman has been on base in 27 consecutive games.
May 8, 2007: Another Berkman homer and a Lee homer indicate end of power drought; Pence triple and run in the second key in yet another win over Reds, 7-6.
Rodriguez pitches well with an excellent curve and Wheeler gives up another homer in the ninth; amazing what a little run support does for a closer!
May 7, 2007: ‘Stros love the Great American Ballpark, win 5-4 on Scott and Berkman homers
May 6, 2007: Clemens is a good Yankee (Gone); ‘Stros score one of twelve baserunners, lose 3-1
May 5, 2007: Albers goes 7 1/3 innings of three-hit ball; Pence gets first MLB homer, a slam; ‘Stros get first shut-out 13-0 in noon game
May 4, 2007: Williams takes start for Sampson, loses 3-2 in the first of three in St. Louis
May 3, 2007: WOW! Strange occurrences put the ase in baseball; ‘Stros go off Winners, 7-5!
May 3, 2007:
Battle
Wandy Rodriguez will have the “A” lineup behind him as he looks to send the Astros on to their week-long, seven-game road trip with a series win and close out the brief six-game home stand at 3-3. Ensberg bats second, Lane fifth and Pence sixth in the righty lineup against the Reds lefty, Milton (0-4, 4.71).
May 2, 2007: Astros beat Reds 3-1; Oswalt allows 4 hits, Dunn solo homer
May 1, 2007: Reds Win 11-2 as Astros collect Five Hits
May 1, 2007: Astros (10-14) Begin 3-Game Series with Reds (12-13) Game Update
Matt Albers goes for the home team against Arroyo
on the mound for the visiting Reds. The
Astros need to start the new month with a win of this series before departing
on a seven game road trip, playing three in
April 29, 2007: Williams Pitches for First Win as Astro: Looses, 3-1 Game Update
This afternoon features the battery of Williams and Quintero, and Ensberg starts at third, batting in the two spot. Pence bats sixth again, more in The Real Story (you will need to refresh the page on The Real Story).
April 28, 2007: Winning Streak Started with 10-1 Whooping of Brewers
April 28, 2007: Will Pence get into the Brewers’ Bush? Game Update
April 27, 2007: Brewers Win 4-1
April 27, 2007:
Oswalt Pitches to Halt Skid; First Place
Brewers Toss Capuano Tonight
Burke bats second, Lane plays right. Game Update
April 26, 2007: Buccos Sweep again, win 5-3. ‘Stros come home from 3-6 road trip.
April 26, 2007: Rodriguez Gets Early Start, Ready for Wake-Up Call Game Update
Most NL teams would love to end a nine-game,
four-city road trip in
April 25, 2007: Pirates take win, 4-3, in sixteenth: Series Finale in 121/2 hours.
April 25, 2007: Albers Gets Streak-Stopping Assignment: Game Update
Freddy Sanchez has not used his bat in four wins
against the ‘Stros and the Pirates are waiting on their defending NL batting
champ to improve his .250 average.
Albers can be joyed that Burke will be behind him in centerfield,
batting second; instead of Lane hitting seventh and
April 24, 2007: Williams Pitches for First Win as ‘Stros – Loretta at Third
Ensberg has sore ankle, and Lamb is lefty?
GAME UPDATE: Pirates Hand ‘Stros First Shutout on three whole hits, win 3-0
Ninth Inning
Ensberg gets one shot to extend ten game hitting streak as he pinch-bats to lead off the ninth – and he’s out on a foul-pop. Biggio and Burke go quietly.
Eighth Inning
Maholm has no trouble, though
Seventh Inning
Berkman, Lee ground out and Loretta is called on strikes again. This game might be done by the time House comes on NBC tonight. Another good inning for Williams, the guy that is only good for five innings, I’ve heard.
Sixth Inning
Quintero forced out at second on Williams bunt
attempt after infield hit. Biggio whiffs
and Burke pops to shallow center. Burke
catches a fly ball on the centerfield warning track, but can’t throw back to
first to double off Bay, who reached on an infield single to third.
First Inning
Biggio first pitch ground ball hit to left, doubled
off 6-4-3 by Burke. Berkman grounds out
on first pitch. Pirates score on two
doubles (
Second Inning
Lee grounds out 5-3, Loretta K’s swinging and Lane grounds out to third. A Paulino homer followed by a Maholm adds a run for the Bucks.
Third Inning
Down in order again, two groundouts and Williams was called on strikes – Dave Raymond was hoping Williams would pitch better tonight! Wilson doubles on a grounder down the third base line, scores on a Bay line single to right. Pirates, 3-0.
Fourth Inning
Wow, Biggio singles again and gets caught stealing as Burke swings thru the hit and run. Berkman walked and Lee grounded out to third on a ball that looked like a Pirate double earlier. Williams has a up and down inning, 3 up and down.
Fifth Inning
Let’s hit some! Lane sent one deep, but playable and ‘Stros go down in order. Pirates down quietly, second inning in a row.
April 23, 2007: GAME UPDATE
9th: ‘Stros need a Hail Mary and two-point conversion. Burke whiffs, Ausmus flies to left-center and Palmeiro…..reaches on error by third baseman (ruled hit); Biggio grounds out.
8th: Six outs remain. Scott has a two out hit and is left on first. Phillies up 11-4 and coming to bat…Lidge gives up a hit and a double, Then K’s the side.
7TH: Pinch-batting, Ensberg walks on a full count, ending Eaton’s night. Geary pitching, nine outs left and Ensberg on first. All these 42’s and I am recording 24. Biggio whiffs and Loretta grounds into DP. Ensberg’s hitting streak in tact as Borkowski takes the mound, batting ninth. Rollins gets another single; both runners score on a Victorino drive just over Lee in left (?); Phillies up 9-4. Utley smokes a homer to deeeeep center (473 feet), Phillies 11-4. Howard K’s and breaks his bat on the ground.
6th: Scott strikes out swinging, Lamb has check-swing bloop single, takes second on botched DP ground out by Burke and Ausmus called out on strikes; still 7-4. A double up the first base line is left on after Lamb wakes up on a FC grounder to 3rd, still 7-4
5th: Astros top of the order. Berkman works walk after two ground outs, Lee flies out. Phillies come to bat leading 7-4. Sampson pulled and White comes in after Barajas lines to left (over short). Rollins safe on DP4-6-3FC, 3-ground outs, Phillies 7-4
4TH: Foul pop and two deep right field fly outs put ‘Stros down in order: Rollins works on cycle with single, weak hit and run single puts runners on the corners; missed the 4-6-3 DP and Rollins scores. Phillies take the lead, 5-4. Ooopps, Loretta lets two get by short and lead goes to 6-4. Add another run thru shortstop, 7-4.
3rd: So Berkman pounds a homer to left-center with no one on base (Biggio); Scott called on strikes (7 K’s last 8 at-bats). Tied at 4: Phillies leave bases juiced on two hits and a walk. Tied at 4.
2ND: Lamb w/clean hit; Ausmus with great at-bat has IH6; Sampson 1-5FC, almost DP; Biggio walks and is out at the plate to end the inning on a Loretta 2-RBI double to the right field corner. “Stros lead 3-2. Eaton singles, scores on Rollins triple. Rollins scores on ground out. Phillies 4-3.
First Inning: Biggio and Rollins leadoff with homers; Phillies have three more hits in first – all three on potentially playable balls that Loretta, Biggio and Lamb, respectively, watch go by their positions – Phillies up 2-1
April 23, 2007: Sampson Takes Three Second Basemen to the Field in Philly Make-up Game
as he looks for third straight win this season. Adam Everett will get some more much needed rest for the third game this season……One more note, Lamb is playing third as Ensberg contemplates his 10-game hitting streak…….Leadoff homer, BIGGIO, 1-0.
April 22, 2007: Brewers Win 4-3; ‘Stros 3-Run Ninth Avoids First Shutout
April 22, 2007: Oswalt Goes for Fourth Straight Win; ‘Stros go for Fourth Straight Series
This game should be great, so I will make sure to have a TV handy. Since the game is broadcast locally, I can bring my 1-inch portable to the pool (see The Real Story)!
April 20, 2007: ‘Stros prove Best in Central by whooping Brewers 6-5
April 20, 2007: What do you mean, where’s Wheeler?
April 20, 2007: And Burke scores the go-ahead run on a Biggio Grand Slam!
Now, I like Lidge, but I bet you couldn’t trade him and Burke for Saarloos!
April 20, 2007: Burke has shot to prove me wrong; Skipper Should PH Loretta!
April 20, 2007: Matt Albers Deserves Support in Third Career Start
So why would anybody start Chris Burke batting sixth and playing centerfield, especially with Lane available? Wouldn’t it be best to save a few Burke at-bats and use a few Lane at-bats? Screw the 8-6 record, let’s play for NOW. Maybe Burke realizes that Loretta can’t find full time work and centerfield may prove a lucrative move for Burke’s career, but Burke still can’t play center. It should be pretty clear that the ‘Stros can find better use for a roster spot than the Burke/Loretta redundancy.
The Astros have benefited nicely from some sloppier play lately, but expect the Brewers to be tougher to beat. Forget Albers/Sheets or pitching, this series will be about playing to win baseball games and will be won in the field and on the bases.
I look forward to watching this series! At risk of sounding insensitive, I’ll just say even Matt’s Mother couldn’t like his mug-shot on the Astros web page. The froggies must be hoppin’ tonight!
April 19, 2007: Another 5-Run Eighth Give ‘Stros 7-6 Lead; Lane HR in Ninth for8-6 Win
April 18, 2007: Sampson Pitches Seven Solid; ‘Stros Score 5 in Eighth, Win 7-2
Seven strong innings by Sampson limit Reds to two runs, both on solo homers, on five hits with two strikeouts and walks. Lane’s three-run homer capped the Astros five-run eighth.
April 18, 2007: Sampson Opens in Cincy with Lamb and Lane at third and center
Sampson will have a great start if he is a batter before taking the mound and Lee hits his sixth homer in the first inning. The ‘Stros need to keep pounding the ball and never look back at the .500 plateau.
April 17, 2007: Astros Win 6-1 as Oswalt pitches 6.1 innings; Lee Drives in Four
A leadoff homer to the Marlin’s Ramirez was the only run allowed by the Astros. Lee drove in two on his fifth (corrected) homer and another pair on a bases loaded double.
April 16, 2007: Ensberg’s walkoff-single gives ‘Stros 4-3 Win in Ninth
Rodriguez has pitched six innings of the 1-1 game. The ‘Stros are running out of outs…..
April 16, 2007: Taxing 3-1 Road trip bring ‘Stros Home for Two Games with Marlins
Rodriguez finally gets another start tonight for the ‘Stros and will pitch against Sanchez for the Marlins. Tonight, the Astros must score four runs and have Rodriguez pitch another seven innings allowing less than three runs, to win. The Real Story
April 13, 2007: Oswalt Completes 5 Innings with 8-6 Lead; Astros Win 9-6
A career high six walks for Oswalt as 120 pitches were offered to retire 15 Philly batters, allowing six runs on eight hits and a balk. He also struck out six Phillies.
Lee hits three homers, two solo and one slam, for a career high. Astros up 9-6 as Wheeler strikes out the side in the ninth for the save and was the sixth Astros pitcher.
Ensberg provided the other three runs on his first
homer of the season; why he was wearing sunglasses when he led off the ninth
with a fly ball out.
Woody Williams will start tomorrow as
April 11, 2007: Astros @ Cubbies Snowed Out Today
Today’s ballgame will be made up July 12, 2007, the
last day off from the All-Star break, in
The Phillies open a two game series with the Mets
in
April 10, 2007: Sampson great as Astros win again, 4-2
Sampson pitches five innings of shutout ball
against Cubbies giving up three hits, striking out three and was helped by one
double play. I’m sure Garner had a
reason to pull Sampson for pinch-hitter Palmeiro after
The Cubbies shortstop, Cesar Izturis, committed three errors and Biggio missed a ball in the eighth. The Astros left nine men on base and grounded into two double plays. Three of the Astros hits were doubles, by Ausmus, Ensberg and Scott. Scott drove in three and Lee drove in one, extending his team leading RBI total to six. Click on The Real Story for comments.
April 9, 2007:
Everett
Williams pitches six innings giving up two runs on
five hits and two more Astro errors in the field. Williams helped the cause with his bat when
he singled up the middle after falling behind in the count, fouling two
sacrifice bunt attempts in the top of the seventh. Of the nine hits, seven were for extra bases
as the Astros pounded six doubles, two by Biggio, and
April 9, 2007: Garner announces Change in Closer
Phil Garner announced today that Dan Wheeler will now be used in the closer role and Rick White will be used as the set-up man. Brad Lidge will be used in middle relief, possibly in a move to get Lidge comfortable with pitching for more innings in each appearance. I have heard talk about Lidge becoming a starting pitcher at some point, but for now all Garner would discuss is the current role changes.
EASTER SUNDAY: Cards Wake from Coma, ‘Stros Earn 10-1 Beating
The Astros use their sixth different lineup in six games and it brought poor fielding and poor hitting, and the poor Astro pitchers are collared with statistics as the home team lost its fifth game 10-1 inside the 56 degree Minute Maid Park this afternoon. Officially, it goes one run on three hits and one error for the Astros; and 10 runs on 13 hits and no errors for the Cards. Six Astro pitchers walked five, struck out seven and had two runners caught stealing bases – one on a pitch out during a squeeze play. Check back tonight when Jastro posts The Real Story.
April 7, 2007: Astros Ride Power and Pitching to 5-1 Victory
Row Oswalt pitched the complete game to pick up the first win for the Astros this year, needing only 94 pitches, 66 strikes, and giving up one run on five hits, one error, one walk and four strikeouts. Oswalt was helped by three ground ball double-plays, two ending innings. In total, Oswalt recorded 20 ground ball outs in the game.
Carlos Lee collected his third sacrifice fly RBI of
the season to start the Astros scoring in the first inning, and his first
homer, a solo shot to greet Thompson as he relieved for the Cards in the sixth
inning. Berkman hit his first homer in
the seventh, another solo blast, for his second hit of the game. Biggio had a double in the second that drove
in the other two Astro runs. Brad Ausmus
was perfect at the plate, with two hits and reaching base as a hit batter
twice.
Jason Jennings will pitch for the Astros against
Kip Wells at 1:05 for the final game of the Cardinal series and final of the
home stand. The Astros will leave for
April 6, 2007: Astros Bunt and Run Down by Cards, Losing 4th Straight 4-2
Wandy Rodriguez pitches seven innings of four hit
baseball against the defending major league champion
Luke Scott and Adam Everett both provided great
defense and Scott earned an outfield assist when
Ace Roy Oswalt will pitch for the Astros Saturday at 6:05 against Anthony Reyes for the Cardinals as the home team looks to win their first baseball game. The Astros are the only team in MLB without a win. Oswalt will need his teammates to play good defense and make good contact with their bats to avoid another no decision.
April 4, 2007: Pirates Sweep Astros, Spoil Williams Debut in 5-4 Loss
Woody Williams was relieved after walking
Gorzelanny with two outs in the fourth innings.
The Pirates sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs, two
unearned as the Astros were tagged with three errors and the Pirates received
credit for three hits, including an RBI double by Paulino that was misplayed
and landed on Tal’s Hill. Nady followed
with a fly ball to center that bounced off the heel of Burke’s glove for a two
base error. Bautista followed with a
single to center, plating Paulino and Nady.
Borkowski relieved after the walk to
Gorzelanny and Nagy greeted him with a groundball booted by
Lee had an RBI single in the first inning and Berkman drove in Biggio in the third with a sacrifice fly. The Pirates committed two fielding errors in the game leading to an unearned run in the fourth inning when Burke was grazed on the patch of his sleeve with the bases loaded. The Astros were out hit by the Pirates 10-8. With two outs in the ninth, Craig Biggio hits his first homer of the season and third hit of the game, cutting the lead to one. Burke stuck out swinging at a ball in the dirt to end the game. Borkowski struck out three Pirates and Chris Sampson pitched three innings giving up two hits and striking out two. The Biggio homer in the ninth was the first Astro hit since the fifth inning.
The Astros have a day off tomorrow to regroup
before beginning a three game series this weekend when the world champion
Cardinals come to town. The Mets swept
the Cards in
April 4, 2007: Quintero to Catch Williams
Humberto Quintero will likely catch pitcher Woody
Williams at 7:05 tonight as the Astros seek to win their first of 88 regular
season wins after starting the 2007 Quest to be best with two in the loss
column; games Jastro included in the win column with the 16-11 record projected
for April. Doubles in both games by
April 3, 2007: Jennings Impressive in Astros Debut, Bullpen tagged with 3-2 Loss
Woody Williams is set to start his first game pitching in an Astros uniform tonight as the Astros try to avoid opening the season with a series sweep at home. Young lefty Tom Gorzelanny gets the nod for the Pirates, which should prove unfortunate as the Astro hitters are due to break loose with hits and runs!
April 2, 2007: Pirates Spoil Opener with Power
Oswalt leaves the game with a 2-1 lead after pitching seven and two-thirds innings. Lidge and Qualls each allow homers to spoil the home opener in 10 innings as the Astros lose 4-2. Both Astros runs came from a 2-run homer by Scott. But you have read all that, click on the link to your left for The real Story.
April 2, 2007: Jastro Predicts Championship for 2007 Astros
Jastro continues to post Astros scribblings, including his 2007 analysis. Just click on the JastroBall link to the left!
March 31, 2007: 'Stros win spring finale 5-3
The win against the Royals gives the Astros an 18-11 (with a tie) record, the best NL -- My bad -- record of the 2007 citrus circuit. W. Rodriguez chunks 89 pitches, 65 for strikes in six innings, really scattering 10 hits and only 2 runs and Bruntlett plated 3 runs with a dinger in the seventh to place the 'Stros in the lead for good. Lane popped a solo shot in the fifth and Burke hit safely in three out of four attempts, scoring once.
Garner continued shuttling players in the game, getting at least one plate appearance for all 15 position players and a pinch-hit appearance for Oswalt to boot; at least one of the position players will not make the opening day roster depending on whether the club opens the season with 11 or 12 pitchers -- a decision expected soon as the roster must be set by 2:00 pm tomorrow.....just in: Bruntlett and Munson out; Albers cut and Sampson designated the fifth starter (not needed the first week). Moehler becomes the Astros 12th pitcher on the roster.
March 31, 2007: Scott Powers Astros to 4-2 Win
W. Williams pitched four good innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits with one strikeout in his first start from the home dugout at Minute Maid. Scott put the Astros on top of the Royals with a two-run dinger in the seventh inning. Scott, also hitting a double, and Berkman led the nine hit attack with two hits each as manager Phil Garner sent 14 different position players to the plate in the game.
Qualls, Miller and White each pitched a scoreless inning in relief and Wheeler threw two innings allowing one hit and striking out two. W. Rodriguez will start for the Astros at 1:05 today and the Astros could end the Grapefruit League with the best Spring win-loss record by beating the Royals.
March 30, 2007: 'Stros beat their Future 6-4 in PR Game
Pence tattooed Lidge with a 412 foot 2-run homer as
the AAA Express fell short in the meaningless split squad game at the Dell
Diamond in Round Rock last night due to a 5-run fifth by the Astros.
Pitchers Nieve and Albers remained in
Jastro is finishing his predictions for the 2007 season, so check back this weekend. When Jastro called me this morning from Round Rock (a night rough at the diamond?), he even surprised me with a statement about Ausmus and Everett for the season!
March 28, 2007: Astros Feast on Yankees Pitching in 12-2 Blowout
Moehler pitched six strong innings scattering six hits, two runs, two strikeouts and one walk against the Yankees mighty opening day lineup. Of the 15 Astro hits, seven were for extra bases and the Astros stranded 14 baserunners.
Quintero continued where he left off yesterday, hitting three singles in five attempts, scoring all three times and driving in two. Scott hit his third homer -- a monster solo blast -- and Burke added a double and triple with three strikeouts in five plate appearances.
Defensively, Matsui was charged with the only Yankee fielding error, though several Astro drives were misplayed, and both Palmeiro and Scott made nice outfield assists or the visiting Astros. Wheeler, J. Rodriguez and Barzilla each pitched scoreless innings of relief in the rout.
Please check back tomorrow to get the latest Jastro update for the 'Stros 2007 Quest to be the Best season, complete with in depth analysis and predictions. I know you will be glad to read a refreshing view as Jastro thinks the Astros will surprise the experts and unite the fans by outperforming the mediocre expectations with a exciting and historic season!
March 27, 2007: Astros Wrestle Indians for Win
Quintero's second double of the game was a
three-run walkoff in the tenth inning as the Astros win 8-7 in the home finale
of the Grapefruit season at
Now for the REAL story behind the Astros three run tenth inning, which Jastro will post right here later tonight (right now I need to listen to Burke on AstroLaunch)....The Real Story.
March 26, 2007: Burke Makes Contact!
So Burke goes 0 for 3, 4 LOB, 1K and pops to CF with two out in the bottom of the ninth, leaving the bases loaded; Astros lose 6-4. Williams stinks it up again by lowering his meaningless spring ERA to 9 something, giving up 5 runs in 5.1 innings. They both are consistently terrible. Bruntlett lead off to spark the 3-run ninth inning comeback attempt with a pinch hit dinger.
Good Link
If you do not regularly, or have not yet, check out the Lisa Gray column at The Astros Dugout. She gets personal in a DUI commentary; unfortunately, someone let Jastro play on the computer again. I am regular, she does good work.
March 25, 2007: Punch-less Doggie sent Packing
The Stros lose offense and defense as Richard
Hidalgo refused assignment to the minor leagues and was released by the Astros
Saturday afternoon. Jastro originally applauded the move by Astros GM Tim
Purpura when Hidalgo was signed to a minor league contract last winter, predicting
the signing to perhaps be the best move of Purpura's tenure. According to
reports from
Gone is the run per game average
Defensively, well, we all know Doggie can fetch between the infield dirt and the bleachers. So does the competition. Hopefully, this move will mean nothing to the 'Stros 2007 Quest for the Championship. Jastro fears we threw the doggie out with the thief. Worry not, Jastro will always support his Astros -- as long as there is enough Budweiser.
March 19, 2007: Welcome
My initial motivations and short-term goals are simple: become proficient in good website design practices and pursue a personal passion to write a column covering the Astros. The 2007 quest to win the MLB World Series begins in less than two weeks and I expect the Astros to be a much better team than the 83 wins I keep hearing folks predict.
I have witnessed every spring game (unfortunately, all through the radio) and I am excited by the prospects of the Astros not only bringing the Fall Classic back to Houston, but by bringing home several individual awards this season as well. Of course, being a native Houstonian that turned six years old when the Astrodome opened, I say that every year.
Some very difficult personnel decisions will be made in the next two weeks by every major league team and the toughness of those decisions will measure the ballclub. The Astros will make those decisions soon and the final 25-man roster and opening day line-up will reveal whether the goal for the 2007 Astros will be the MLB championship or just to field another good team.
I will have fun earning your support by providing some entertaining articles so please feedback your rants and raves (and any sponsorship ideas or helpful advice) by email to jastro@jastroworld.com!
