Last night, health/laziness issues kept me from posting, but if I would've written something I would have said, "The Astros are a Team Without Swagger". After tonight, however, it's tough to write that. There was a bases loaded situation with one out where they came out with nothing, but c'mon, a win is a win-especially against the red hot Dodgers.
To be honest, I didn't get to watch most of the last two games (working two jobs will do that to you), but that loss of swagger column is just gonna have to wait. I will even hold off on the lineup column... at least until they lose the next 2. Michael Bourn should still be leading off, though.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Astros Bats Stay Cold in Sunny Minute Maid
A great performance by Felipe Paulino was wasted by the Astros' bats, as once again the team could not get a clutch hit to save their lives. It didn't help that a blown call on Hunter Pence cost the Stros a run and crucial out. If you leave over 10 men on base, it's a recipe for losing. For the positive, Michael Bourn continues his hot hitting ways. Now that Matsui will be back in the lineup soon, it will be interesting to see whether Cecil Cooper keeps Bourn at the leadoff spot or moves the speedster back down. I don't think Kaz has done anything to stay up top, but then again that's why Coop just got a contract extension and I am blogging for free from my parent's house.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
A WANDerful Performance
Wandy continues to have a strong showing. Tonight, he tied his career high for K's in a game, all the while locating all of his pitches in his third straight quality outing. Unfortunately for him, he only has one W to show for it. When Wandy gets early run support, he attacks opposing offenses and can be nasty with that first pitch curveball. You can't help but be ecstatic with the left hander's performance thus far. Plus it's a good thing that he'll get another start at Minute Maid (where he's just about nasty) before having to pitch on the road again. Momentum + run support = lots of success for Wandy Rodriguez. Be prepared for a bust out season.
As for the rest of the 'good guys', how about that offense against the Aaron Harang? Pence, Blum, and Lee all had two-out RBI's. Blum and Lee especially had good nights; Blum had the big two-run double and Lee came through with a 3-3 night. Right now, the Astros have 5 of the top 56 players in the top of the national league in on base percentage. He may be hitting .250, but Michael Bourn has reached safely in every game this season. Keep him at the top of the lineup, Coop, the guy is doing everything he is being asked.
It would be great for Hampy to have another good start. Tomorrow will be my first visit to Minute Maid since 2007, so here's to another win. Just think how good this team could be once they start hitting for power...
As for the rest of the 'good guys', how about that offense against the Aaron Harang? Pence, Blum, and Lee all had two-out RBI's. Blum and Lee especially had good nights; Blum had the big two-run double and Lee came through with a 3-3 night. Right now, the Astros have 5 of the top 56 players in the top of the national league in on base percentage. He may be hitting .250, but Michael Bourn has reached safely in every game this season. Keep him at the top of the lineup, Coop, the guy is doing everything he is being asked.
It would be great for Hampy to have another good start. Tomorrow will be my first visit to Minute Maid since 2007, so here's to another win. Just think how good this team could be once they start hitting for power...
Astros Still Struggling to Play a Complete Game
It's been almost almost a week since I last posted, so first how 'bout a quick summary of the last 3 games?
The two wins against the Pirates were solid, if ugly. Mike Hampton pitched very well in his Wednesday night start, and if he can give the Astros a high percentage of quality starts, he could win 15 or more games this season. Hampton looks healthy, and I think has realized that he may not be able to overpower hitters as much as he could when he was younger. One good thing to think about: with Hampton missing a lot of time in the last couple of years, he hasn't thrown a ton of innings. Two of his most recent problems have been a bad hamstring and pectoral muscle. With that being said, if he is able to pitch a full season, watch out.
In the Thursday afternoon win, it was nice to see Lance Berkman hit a big homerun, but Chris Sampson's contribution cannot be underestimated. Most 16 pitch at-bats end in success for the hitter, but the former Red Raider battled and was able to retire potential tying run, Freddy Sanchez (who is also a former batting champ).
A win last night could have been huge. I don't think you can really worry too much about Jose Valverde blowing the save. Teams aren't supposed to win when they only have four hits. The double play killed the Astros again (as it always does), but there is still plenty of reason to have hope. Neither Carlos Lee, nor Lance Berkman has gotten to anywhere near mid-season form, and it looks like Lee's hand hasn't fully healed. But fear not, as soon as they can have a game where all facets of the team are playing to potential, this team can still be dangerous. Let's hope they don't wait until August to get things going.
The two wins against the Pirates were solid, if ugly. Mike Hampton pitched very well in his Wednesday night start, and if he can give the Astros a high percentage of quality starts, he could win 15 or more games this season. Hampton looks healthy, and I think has realized that he may not be able to overpower hitters as much as he could when he was younger. One good thing to think about: with Hampton missing a lot of time in the last couple of years, he hasn't thrown a ton of innings. Two of his most recent problems have been a bad hamstring and pectoral muscle. With that being said, if he is able to pitch a full season, watch out.
In the Thursday afternoon win, it was nice to see Lance Berkman hit a big homerun, but Chris Sampson's contribution cannot be underestimated. Most 16 pitch at-bats end in success for the hitter, but the former Red Raider battled and was able to retire potential tying run, Freddy Sanchez (who is also a former batting champ).
A win last night could have been huge. I don't think you can really worry too much about Jose Valverde blowing the save. Teams aren't supposed to win when they only have four hits. The double play killed the Astros again (as it always does), but there is still plenty of reason to have hope. Neither Carlos Lee, nor Lance Berkman has gotten to anywhere near mid-season form, and it looks like Lee's hand hasn't fully healed. But fear not, as soon as they can have a game where all facets of the team are playing to potential, this team can still be dangerous. Let's hope they don't wait until August to get things going.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Listless Stros Lose Again
The best thing that can be said about the team after a poor effort such as today is that at least the losing streak won't grow to 7 games tomorrow (the team is off). The offense looked awful, Moehler had another poor performance before coming out of the game with an injury, and the team looked completely flat.
This season is far from over, but Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, and Hunter Pence better start hitting soon, or the season will be over well before the All-Star break. Things can't get much worse offensively. I guess they could get shut out a couple of more times, but the law of averages has to come into play sometime soon. So, at the very least, I imagine the Astros will be able to manage a couple of sac flies or garbage late inning runs here in the next couple of games.
As I said in the column from earlier today, why did Michael Bourn sit out today. You could've given Matsui a day off (as the team has said it would do many times to help preserve the fragile 2nd baseman), started Kepinger at 2nd, and have Bourn lead off. The guy has hit in every game this season. He is taking more pitches, striking out less, and hitting the ball the opposite way... everything he is being asked to do. Not a lot is working for the team right now, maybe it's time to go with the guys who ARE doing their jobs.
This season is far from over, but Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, and Hunter Pence better start hitting soon, or the season will be over well before the All-Star break. Things can't get much worse offensively. I guess they could get shut out a couple of more times, but the law of averages has to come into play sometime soon. So, at the very least, I imagine the Astros will be able to manage a couple of sac flies or garbage late inning runs here in the next couple of games.
As I said in the column from earlier today, why did Michael Bourn sit out today. You could've given Matsui a day off (as the team has said it would do many times to help preserve the fragile 2nd baseman), started Kepinger at 2nd, and have Bourn lead off. The guy has hit in every game this season. He is taking more pitches, striking out less, and hitting the ball the opposite way... everything he is being asked to do. Not a lot is working for the team right now, maybe it's time to go with the guys who ARE doing their jobs.
Lohse Lowers Boom On Stros
Struggles against St. Louis continued Sunday, as the shell-shocked Stros looked meek and defenseless against Kyle Lohse. There has never been a better time to travel to Pittsburgh for the club than now. Jim Deshaies said it best during the broadcast: 1-5 stretches will happen for a lot of solid ballclubs, but when 1-5 is all you have to show for an entire season to-date, it feels a lot worse. If you are an Astros fan, you have to hope that Brian Moehler and Mike Hampton can reverse course from their last outings and give the team solid performances and take some pressure off the offense.
Now for the positives. Michael Bourn got a hit in his 6th consecutive game, and looks focused and patient at the plate. I know it's early, but Cecil Cooper needs to think strongly about giving the fleet-footed Bourne, his chance to return to the leadoff role. Kaz Matsui is more suited to hit 2nd, 6th or 7th where he can look to drive the ball and knock in some runs. Why (as pre-game lineups suggest) Michael Bourn is out of the lineup, I have no idea. Bourn is the sole bright spot in the lineup, and if you are going to shift the lineup around for today's game, why not give the guy a shot to be a spark plug.
The offense will improve, mark my words, but as of yet, it's just one of many areas of concern from Coop, Ed Wade, and Drayton McLane. Zach Duke was 1-1 with a 2.91 era against Houston last year and today is Pittsburgh's Home Opener. The Astros will have their work cut out for them, but the task is far from impossible. Get some wins in Pittsburgh and have something to build on for the return to Minute Maid. Seasons cannot be won in the first two weeks of the season, but they certainly can be lost.
Now for the positives. Michael Bourn got a hit in his 6th consecutive game, and looks focused and patient at the plate. I know it's early, but Cecil Cooper needs to think strongly about giving the fleet-footed Bourne, his chance to return to the leadoff role. Kaz Matsui is more suited to hit 2nd, 6th or 7th where he can look to drive the ball and knock in some runs. Why (as pre-game lineups suggest) Michael Bourn is out of the lineup, I have no idea. Bourn is the sole bright spot in the lineup, and if you are going to shift the lineup around for today's game, why not give the guy a shot to be a spark plug.
The offense will improve, mark my words, but as of yet, it's just one of many areas of concern from Coop, Ed Wade, and Drayton McLane. Zach Duke was 1-1 with a 2.91 era against Houston last year and today is Pittsburgh's Home Opener. The Astros will have their work cut out for them, but the task is far from impossible. Get some wins in Pittsburgh and have something to build on for the return to Minute Maid. Seasons cannot be won in the first two weeks of the season, but they certainly can be lost.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Pujols 7 - Astros 2
It's hard to come up with something positive from Saturday's bloodbath. Albert Pujols reasserted himself as the biggest of all Astros-killers, absolutely mashing two balls out of the park, all the while giving himself a career-high tying seven RBI's. After a day like today, I think I have found my angle for this blog... stay positive. Although today's game is a perfect example of how hard keeping it positive might end up being, I will strive to find some sort of nugget or piece of information that might give hope to the most desperate of fans. With the way this team is playing, even at 1-4, the season is far from over.
Before I give the blinders-on homer fan message, I will discuss what went wrong Saturday. Roy gave the offense a solid chance to make something happen, but when a team leaves eight runners on base after 4 innings, pitchers begin to get fed up. A guy like Oswalt needs production from the offense. How is it that Adam Wainwright had thrown more than 80 pitches going into the 5th, yet the Astros had yet to score? I said yesterday that the Stros crush middle relief, and I stand by this statement, but it must be said that it helps if Lance Berkman is facing those guys in a 2-2 game rather than while down seven in the 6th.
Saturday's positive aspect: Michael Bourne continues to hit. I think his time at the bottom of the lineup should be coming to an end soon. He's hitting over .300 and seems to be seeing the ball really well. If he is able to keep progressing, a lineup with him leading off, Matsui hitting 2nd, and Pence hitting 6th, these guys could be nasty. It may be too soon, but still probably worth a try.
Here's to not going 1-5 to start the season....
Before I give the blinders-on homer fan message, I will discuss what went wrong Saturday. Roy gave the offense a solid chance to make something happen, but when a team leaves eight runners on base after 4 innings, pitchers begin to get fed up. A guy like Oswalt needs production from the offense. How is it that Adam Wainwright had thrown more than 80 pitches going into the 5th, yet the Astros had yet to score? I said yesterday that the Stros crush middle relief, and I stand by this statement, but it must be said that it helps if Lance Berkman is facing those guys in a 2-2 game rather than while down seven in the 6th.
Saturday's positive aspect: Michael Bourne continues to hit. I think his time at the bottom of the lineup should be coming to an end soon. He's hitting over .300 and seems to be seeing the ball really well. If he is able to keep progressing, a lineup with him leading off, Matsui hitting 2nd, and Pence hitting 6th, these guys could be nasty. It may be too soon, but still probably worth a try.
Here's to not going 1-5 to start the season....
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Double Plays Doom Astros
Do any teams in baseball lose more potential rallies to the double-play than the Astros? Yes, quite a few actually, but it sure doesn't seem that way. According to Baseball Reference, the Astros were actually below the league average for grounding into DP's. However, with the Astros notoriously having a tough time scoring runs, last night was poor timing for hitting into 3 twin-killings. One of the culprits, Miguel Tejada, seems to be working on repeating as king of the double play ball. Last season, Tejada led the majors in grounding into double plays, doing the deed 5 more times (32 of them total) than the next guy, Derrick Lee. To give you an idea how dominant Tejada was in the category, the next highest Astro is Hunter Pence (28th in the league last year), and he only hit into 14 DP's in 157 games. It seems as though teams are willing to allow the Astros base runners and wait for them to kill the rally themselves.
Last night, double plays were a problem, but so was a lack of clutch hitting. The Stros continue to get into the opposition's bullpens, but not early enough, and they aren't working enough counts. The Astros have always been a team that kills middle relief pitching, but in the last 2 or 3 seasons, they have not been able to put themselves into a position where those guys are in the game. I do remain positive however. I believe this is a team that is poised to click soon, and if they are able to start getting some big hits with men on base, this team could rattle off a bunch of wins in a row.
Last night, double plays were a problem, but so was a lack of clutch hitting. The Stros continue to get into the opposition's bullpens, but not early enough, and they aren't working enough counts. The Astros have always been a team that kills middle relief pitching, but in the last 2 or 3 seasons, they have not been able to put themselves into a position where those guys are in the game. I do remain positive however. I believe this is a team that is poised to click soon, and if they are able to start getting some big hits with men on base, this team could rattle off a bunch of wins in a row.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Late 90's AL Baseball Breaks Out at Minute Maid...
Starring Kaz Matsui as Brett Boone, Jeff Kepinger as Matt Williams, Hunter Pence in a touching role as Brady Anderson, Lance Berkman brings out his inner Rafael Palmeiro, and of course Pudge Rodriguez as, well, Pudge Rodriguez in his Ranger days. This is obviously not to say all these guys have decided to start up a juicing regimen. An open roof with the wind blowing out takes Minute Maid back to its Enron days, and with Brian Moehler going up against Ted Lilly, you had to expect that it was going to take a strong offensive showing to win the ball game tonight.
"If we started in the 3rd inning we would've won tonight," said Cecil Cooper in his postgame news conference.
The extent of the Astros scoring tonight came from 5 homeruns. How many runs were produced in the assault? Six. Maybe, I am a hopeless optimist, but for the 3rd game in a row, I think Cecil Cooper has a lot to be happy about even after losing the game 11-6 and the series 2 games to 1. Despite starting off the season with an era just under forty, Brian Moehller wasn't really THAT awful. In scoring five runs over the first inning, the Cubs didn't hit a single ball hard. Tell your starter that he will break 3 bats in the first inning, and he'll take it every time.
"It was one of those nights I couldn't get them to hit it at somebody," said Moehller in post game clubhouse interviews.
Some positives to think about: Michael Bourn with another hit tonight (taking the ball the other way, no less), Russ Ortiz pitching well (solidifying his role), every Astros starter getting a hit, and all but three with RBI's (Bourn, Lee, and Tejada were without, the latter two you have to expect will shake off the rust soon).
Overall, not a terrible opening series for the hometown club. The off day tomorrow lets Cooper have his best two horses (yes, Wandy is one of them) against the Cardinals over the weekend. Winning a couple at Busch could go a long way towards success for this season, but remember it's still early. Right now, it looks as though the early part of the season is especially important because it will get tougher as we get into the summer. I'm not sure that's true, but at this point it doesn't matter. A win in April is just as important as a win in September.
"If we started in the 3rd inning we would've won tonight," said Cecil Cooper in his postgame news conference.
The extent of the Astros scoring tonight came from 5 homeruns. How many runs were produced in the assault? Six. Maybe, I am a hopeless optimist, but for the 3rd game in a row, I think Cecil Cooper has a lot to be happy about even after losing the game 11-6 and the series 2 games to 1. Despite starting off the season with an era just under forty, Brian Moehller wasn't really THAT awful. In scoring five runs over the first inning, the Cubs didn't hit a single ball hard. Tell your starter that he will break 3 bats in the first inning, and he'll take it every time.
"It was one of those nights I couldn't get them to hit it at somebody," said Moehller in post game clubhouse interviews.
Some positives to think about: Michael Bourn with another hit tonight (taking the ball the other way, no less), Russ Ortiz pitching well (solidifying his role), every Astros starter getting a hit, and all but three with RBI's (Bourn, Lee, and Tejada were without, the latter two you have to expect will shake off the rust soon).
Overall, not a terrible opening series for the hometown club. The off day tomorrow lets Cooper have his best two horses (yes, Wandy is one of them) against the Cardinals over the weekend. Winning a couple at Busch could go a long way towards success for this season, but remember it's still early. Right now, it looks as though the early part of the season is especially important because it will get tougher as we get into the summer. I'm not sure that's true, but at this point it doesn't matter. A win in April is just as important as a win in September.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Broken Bat Walk-off Saves 'Stros
Say what you want about these Astros, but the fact is, these are the type of games they are going to play this season. As potent of an offense as they have, you'd think that the best chance for success rides on winning a bunch of slugfests. Not true. Now that baseball has mostly/somewhat rid itself of steroids, teams can't sit around waiting for the proverbial 3 run bomb. The key to winning in today's game is having solid starting pitching, with a lights-out bullpen. Lineups that 10 years ago you could've penciled in for 5 runs a game, are not going to produce that kind of scoring.
As for tonight, I think this was a huge win. As huge as a win on the 2nd day of the season can be, anyway. You get a really strong performance out of Wandy (who deserved a win, by the way), key hits from the guys you need, capped off with the new guy getting the winning hit. And don't underestimate the bullpen's contribution. Without one bad pitch from Hawkins (Oswalt made the same mistake last night), the hometown fans go home a winner after an electric performance by Jose Valverde. Instead it took an extra frame. That being said, a win is a win. Just be happy this one didn't go 16 innings.
As for tonight, I think this was a huge win. As huge as a win on the 2nd day of the season can be, anyway. You get a really strong performance out of Wandy (who deserved a win, by the way), key hits from the guys you need, capped off with the new guy getting the winning hit. And don't underestimate the bullpen's contribution. Without one bad pitch from Hawkins (Oswalt made the same mistake last night), the hometown fans go home a winner after an electric performance by Jose Valverde. Instead it took an extra frame. That being said, a win is a win. Just be happy this one didn't go 16 innings.
Monday, April 6, 2009
'Stros Continue to Struggle on Opening Day
Since 2002, the hometown team is now 2-6 in Opening Day Games. Tonight was no surprise. Roy Oswalt is a notoriously slow starter, and Carlos Zambrano is a cerified Astros-killer. Astros fans can take solace in this however, at least the Z-man didn't go yard tonight (he has 5 career OFFENSIVE home runs against the Astros, 4 of them coming at Minute Maid).
I actually believe that Opening Day was just fine for the Astros. They played the game that they need to play... runners on with nobody out in the 6th, the opposing starter out of the game. Unfortunately, the big hit was not there tonight. When the players that struggle are Carlos Lee and Pudge Rodriguez, you don't worry. When the guys that worry you most about this season (Michael Bourn and Miguel Tejada), go a combined five out of eight, and the team still loses, it's important to realize the potential out there. Imagine a day with the whole offense clicking...
Unless injuries decimate this team (with their combined age, it's by no means out of the question), they will contend. No baseball city in the country should count out the local nine after one game, especially not Houston. We've been down this road before. Honestly, are you really shocked they lost tonight? You shouldn't be, and remember the last two times the Astros went to the playoffs... they lost on Opening Day.
I actually believe that Opening Day was just fine for the Astros. They played the game that they need to play... runners on with nobody out in the 6th, the opposing starter out of the game. Unfortunately, the big hit was not there tonight. When the players that struggle are Carlos Lee and Pudge Rodriguez, you don't worry. When the guys that worry you most about this season (Michael Bourn and Miguel Tejada), go a combined five out of eight, and the team still loses, it's important to realize the potential out there. Imagine a day with the whole offense clicking...
Unless injuries decimate this team (with their combined age, it's by no means out of the question), they will contend. No baseball city in the country should count out the local nine after one game, especially not Houston. We've been down this road before. Honestly, are you really shocked they lost tonight? You shouldn't be, and remember the last two times the Astros went to the playoffs... they lost on Opening Day.
Welcome to The House that Eusebio Built
Hello, one and all. Today, April 6th, 2009 marks the beginning of a new Houston Sports Blog, The House that Eusebio Built. With today being opening day and all, I will start the column off with a bold prediction...The Astros will be a playoff team this year. I don't say this as a eternally optimistic, uniformed fan. I truly believe this team is highly underrated, and will shock all of the 'experts' out there by winning the National League Central.
That's all for now, but stay tuned. In the near future, the site will improve, I will be posting just about every day (at least once), and we will make this the number one sports website in Houston. Heck, it might already be that, considering there ain't a whole lot of competition.
That's all for now, but stay tuned. In the near future, the site will improve, I will be posting just about every day (at least once), and we will make this the number one sports website in Houston. Heck, it might already be that, considering there ain't a whole lot of competition.
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