MLB: Houston Astros

2008-11-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

Are you guys thankful we got Tyler Lumsden as our new leftie pitcher? Here's the full story, although it doesn't say who/what we're giving up for Lumsden.

2008-10-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Astro fans!

2008-10-16T15:17:00.001-07:00

Will the Rangers steal Jackie Moore? He's originally from Houston, so he probably has a lead on some real estate! Story here.

Michael Phelps Clones?

2008-08-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

You know how they breed dogs and racehorses by choosing the best parents? I even heard recently that some huge percentage of all racehorses come from the same ancestor. It's crazy and forced evolution, but it seems to work, right?

So, should we do this with Michael Phelps? Maybe he could have a baby with Dara Torres, and she could give birth in the water. If they could just install gills on the kiddo, it'd be unbeatable. And I think that would also mean we'd come full circle, turning back into fish. Cool!

From Colt 45s to Astros

2008-04-21T08:31:00.001-07:00

In one of those "well, isn't that interesting..." moment, I was reading this article from the Ontario Well and Tribune on team name changes and enjoyed this part:

"Houston's baseball team changed its name to Astros in the mid-1960s on the
eve of its move into the Astrodome. At the time it was said the team wanted a
more-modern nickname to reflect the city's leading role in the race to the Moon
as home to the Johnson Space Centre.

I suspect the fact that a president had just been gunned down in broad daylight on a Texas street may also have been a factor in holstering the Colt .45s name once and for all."

Well, yeah, one would think...?

What do you have to do...

2008-02-28T11:25:00.001-08:00

So they're reconsidering Clemens, eh? I guess there really is no such thing as bad publicity.

Back in the blogging saddle!

2008-02-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well, my posting leaves a lot to be desired, but I did finally get around to working this blog into the new Blogger template. Check it out - frequently updated news, right here on my site! I'm easily pleased, as you can see.

Is it Spring Training yet??

Will a change in management save the Astros?

2007-10-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

2007 was terrible for the Houston Astros - my dad's so upset he won't even discuss it. And this just 2 years after they made it to the World Series? Come on guys! At least something is being done, as Manager Phil Garner and GM Tim Purpura were let go. Ed Wade is now the new GM, but it's not like he has an amazing record. Maybe they'll find some amazing player in the off season who'll turn everything around. Here's hoping!

Astros glove talk

2007-06-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Just reading a quick blurb in ESPN the magazine from Houston Astros SS Adam Everett, where he's talking about his glove. Kind of interesting... he says it takes him a year to break in a glove! He doesn't oil it, he says, since it weighs them down too much. He's been using his current one for three years.

Three years... can you imagine how much it would be worth on ebay if he decided to sell it once he was finally done?

Houston Astros on TOP? No way.

2007-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

See that ten-game losing streak? Grab it, hold it, kick it out the door with a request to not return. Talk about tired of losing. I love my team, but remember back in the 80s when we were called the "Lastros"? I do, and I'm hoping to not hear it again.

Thank goodness Thursday night was dramatic, with a nice 10-2 win against the Cincinnati Reds. I swear, it felt like a parched man in the desert finding water at an oasis...

Astros take Chicago

2007-04-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Astros pulled out a 5-3 win over the Cubs today after a late two-run homer by Adam Everett tipped the scales in Houston's favor. This leaves us still sitting at the bottom of the division...but hey, it's early yet. Not a great way to start, but far from insurmountable. The Astros will stay in Chicago for two more afternoon games against the Cubs...let's hope that can use the momentum from today's win to keep things moving forward.

The Fast Lane

2007-03-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Garner better keep his eye on Jason Lane. If Lane's performance against the Washington Nationals is an indication of the rest of his 2007 season he will be in the driver's seat. I think Lane will definitely be part of the Astros winning formula ... and that's the kind of Astros baseball I like watching!

2007-01-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Astros signed infielder Mike Lamb to a one-year contract worth $2.7 million plus incentives. Looks like a good choice since Lamb hit .307 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 126 games last season, his third in Houston.

Bagwell and the bad shoulder

2006-12-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

It has been more than a year since jeff Bagwell graced us with his precense on thefield with The Houston Astros. His shoulder has caused him much trouble and pain, both on and off the field, for the past four years. Well yesterday it was made official. Something we have all known for wuite some time but never wanted to truly admit. Jeff Bagwell's playing career is over. After 16 years with The Astros Bagwell holds the record for being the best hitter in the clubs 45 year history. Bagwell may not be on the field but he will still be involved with the organization. He will be a part of the Astros operations staff doing a little bit of everything from instructing to evaluating and, with years of experience, a key assistant to General Manager Tim Purpura who states about Bagwell, "As a GM I am greedy and want the best people around me giving me advice. Someone who has been in the game recently and not only knows the players but thier personalities as well. It's great to have someone with Jeff's experience there to help me evaluate players as well as give them advice on improvment."

Christmas Lights

2006-12-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

On December 29th, Minute Maid Park plays host to 100 guests as they take a tour of Houston's newest baseball venue under the bright lights at twilight. See the Houston Astros dugout from the inside out. Walk down the field and up on the rooftop of Union Station and the Coca~cola deck. Play announcer in a broadcast booth or scorekeeper on the giant manual board. Tickets must be purchased in advance and with only 100 available you better move quickly.

Winter; Time for Spring training

2006-12-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Houston Astros released thier spring training schedule on Wednesday and people in Florida couldn't be happier with 28 of the 30 preseason games being played in the state. The one month training starts March 1st with a game against The Cleveland Indians at Winter Haven. They wrap it up with 2 exebition games at home in Minute Maid Park. There they will practice on The Kansas City Royals on March 30 and 31. Tickets for The Houston Astros preseason games will be available to the public on January 27,2007. Go 'stros!

20th season

2006-11-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

Biggio has signed with the 'stros for another year, his 20th Major League Baseball season. Although this is most likely his last season Biggio refused to comment on that saying only "Let us see what happens over the course of the season. There will be plenty of time to let everyone know whether I will play again in 2008." Biggio will go for his 3,000 hit this year and expectations that it will come in late June or early July. Getting to the playoffs is reportedly Biggio's number one goal in the 2007 season with his 3K hits running a close second. I can understand, Biggio wants to go out with a bang.

A piece of history

2006-10-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Now is your chance to own a piece of history. Most of The Houston Astros played their game on August 14th wearing hats honoring the space shuttle STS-121 which broke apart during its re-entry to earth's atmosphere. A number of the hats, autographed by the players who wore them, are now being sold to the highest bidder. The caps feature the mission patch as well as the team logo. Bids seem to start around $200 and climb steeply from there. Bidding ends at 9pm on October 27, 2006 so if you're interested get yours now at The Houston Astros' official website.

Biggio going for 3K hits

2006-10-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Houston Astros are currently in discussions with Craig Biggio's agent Barry Axelrod. Biggio, who earned a 4 million dollar salary for the 2006 season, will need to meet an easy goal of 70 hits in the 2007 season to hit a career total of 3,000. Axelrod hopes to reach and agreement with the organization before the Free Agent Filing Period which begins just after the World Series.

Unbelievable

2006-10-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ouch. What a slap in the face. Can you believe the Detroit Tigers are going to the World Series and the Astros aren't? That's like being beat by a little league team.

SURGERY!

2006-10-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

My team is not in the playoffs so what is there to write about? SURGERY! Chris Burke underwent surgery in Alabama last week to tighten his capsule (whatever the hell that is). Actually it's his shoulder which has popped out of socket on 3 seperate occasions during the course of the past year. Burke is an important and vesatile asset who played 5 different positions for the team last year. Let's wish him a speedy recovery.

Strong finish

2006-10-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

I do have to say that I am proud of the 'stros for thier valiant effort. They had the driven attitude needed to get the job done especially in the last of thier run. I mean overcoming an 8 1/2 game defecit in 13 Days? WOW Let's go Astros! Doing what has never been done before.

Ouch.

2006-10-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I said before that "it ain't over 'till it's over" but now it's over. I hear the fat lady singing as I type.

The Houston Astros lost what will now be their last game of the 2006 season to the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Because the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals, we still would have had a chance at moving forward. (The Cards would have had to make up a rained out game against the San Francisco Giants.)

But the Astros were away from home and not playing well from the start. The only run scored didn't come until the 7th inning. For what it's worth, Lance Berkman hit a new franchise record with that 136th RBI of his, but it's a safe bet he'd rather have gotten into the playoffs, dontcha think?

We'll try again in the 2007 season!

Exhausted but not dead yet!

2006-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

I always say one of the great things about baseball is how “it ain’t over till it’s over.” But even though everybody with Houston Astros tickets got the equivalent of 2 games for the price of 1 the other night, they also got double the heartbreak when the Cubs won 8-6. The scariest thing though is if, as Andy Pettitte said after losing a well-pitched follow-up game, “I think we felt really good about ourselves a week ago, and now we feel terrible about ourselves again."

Hey, guys, you’re pros—you can shake it off!

Berkman Out for a Few Games

2006-05-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Houston Astros first-baseman Lance Berkman was out for another game because of his right knee, and that’s disappointing. I trust our Manager Phil Garner - he will put him in when he’s ready and the most effective. Berkman has had knee surgery during the last two off-seasons so being cautious is smart.

Rocky Road for Astros

2006-05-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Houston Astros got swept under the carpet by the Colorado Rockies of all teams. It was a crushing blow as we started to show signs of a comeback yet let the opportunities slip through our grasp. We had better pick ourselves up before we meet them again at the end of this week. It appears the Rockies are rising above the disappointment of their past few seasons.

Andy Pettitte admits his arm has some work to do.

2006-04-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Houston Astros will be playing the Washington Nationals tonight for the win and the series. We have lost only one game out of three and the fourth promises to be an exciting match up. Andy Pettitte has been playing a little below his potential and has been very open about the fact that he is off his game. Phil Garner feels he will get in shape soon.

Minors Make Future Majors

2006-03-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

On the Houston Astros official website there is an article about Fernando Nieve who is 45-36 with an admirable 3.30 ERA in 133 Minor League games. He is really making a name for himself like many of the players who are groomed in the Venezuelan program. I am glad we have the Minor Leagues to train these young guys and make it possible for them to get ready for the Majors.

Baseball season is just over the horizon.

2006-02-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

I am really getting excited about the Houston Astros and their upcoming Spring Training schedule. There is going to be a lot of baseball in my near future. I am getting Astros Opening Day tickets and some tickets for their first spring home game against the Cleveland Indians. Go Astros!

Please somebody take me to a Spurs game. Please!

2006-01-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Houston Astros are gearing up for the regular season while their fans are following the San Antonio Spurs. They are tied with the Dallas Mavericks for second best team in the league. That makes for some exciting basketball if you’ve got tickets for the game! I wish I did!

Welcome home, Vince Young!

2006-01-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

We fans of Houston Astros baseball don't have much to watch during January, but this year I think we all had our eyes glued to the TV--unless we were lucky enough to have Rose Bowl tickets! What a fantastic game! I think all Texas sports fans are rightly proud of the University of Texas Longhorns, NCAA football's national champions!
We got to see quarterback Vince Young back home when he came here to be Grand Marshal of our Martin Luther King Day Parade--and we're hoping to see him join up with our Houston Texans!

Winning When it Matters

2005-10-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Holy Toledo!! It seems like every season the Astros just come out of nowhere to be a true contender for the World Series, and this year seems like it could be the year. After pulling out the win of the postseason, 18 innings against the Atlanta Braves, they have put themselves in excellent position to take the NLCS as well. No I’m not counting all of my chickens yet, but they have momentum, they took one away from the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis, and they won their first home game. In the playoffs you have to the smallest winning streaks and turn them into unbeatable momentum. Hopefully Sunday afternoon the Astros can keep this momentum going during game 4.

Astros Bringing It Home

2005-10-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

This is what the postseason is all about. Roy Oswalt, a 20 game winner with a 2.94 ERA, going up against Jorge Sosa, 13-3 with a 2.55 ERA. With the series tied it has moved to Houston for 2 games, and the Astros are looking to close it out at home.

“We have two at home and we're playing in front of our crowd,” Houston Outfielder Jason Lane said. “We said we'd be happy with a split (in Atlanta). We've got Roy going Saturday, and we've got our fans. We feel good about it.”

Houston tied with Atlanta with the best home record this season in the National League, and they look to take full advantage of that on Saturday night. This is quickly looking like the series to watch.

9: What a Magic Number

2005-09-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

You may have heard about the magic number, but don’t really know what it is. For example, after beating the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, 12-8, the Astros’ magic number for clinching the NL wild card is down to 9. Basically the magic number is any combination of wins by the leading team, the Astros in this case, and losses by the second place team, the Philadelphia Phillies, to make it statistically impossible for the second team to catch up to the first. Since on Wednesday both the Phillies and Astros won, the magic number only went down from 10 to 9. The magic number can only go down or stay the same it cannot go back up. So cheer for Astro wins, and Phillies losses.

An Opportunity Passes By

2005-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the Houston Astros let a perfectly good situation go to waste by losing 2 of 3 games to the Dodgers. Being only 1 and ½ back in the wildcard race behind the Mets, Marlins, and Phillies, the Astros have kept up with the pace for a playoff berth. But when the teams ahead of you go on 2-game losing streaks, which is exactly what has happened to the 3 teams in front, you better find a way to win some games. So imagine the Astros sweeping the Dodgers, where would they be? That’s right, leading the wildcard race. This time of the year you have to take advantage of everything that comes your way, or you’re going to be left sitting at home watching the playoffs in your recliner.

Baseball 101

2005-06-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the lead off hitter is for them to get on base. Get on base, whether it is by drawing a walk or getting the base hit. The first priority for the lead off hitter is to have the highest on base percentage on the team. Well the Houston Astros lack that in there lead off hitter, who is happens to be the center fielder as well, Willy Taveras’. Taveras has a very poor on base percentage in fact. Something got to give to help the Astros who are digging themselves in a hole.

5-1 Win: About Time

2005-05-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

So, the Astros have not been doing all that hot this year. We’re bottom of the barrel right now with a record of 16-30. Furthermore, our record on the road has been fairly stagnant. With three losses in a row to the Cubbies, it looked like we were going to stretch our losing streak on for the long haul. This would have marked the eighth game in a row to be lost, but it’s alright. We’ll stop it at seven.

"Even when you try to be positive, when you're losing, you're losing. Guys don't like to lose. We've had guys that continue to try [to win]. This is a feel-good night tonight."
- Phil Garner

At least we still have some great things; a couple of great pitchers and a handful of good bats. Brandon Backe not only pitched better than Greg Maddux throughout the game, he also assisted in making a run in off of a hit by Orlando Palmeiro. Backe also stole the first base of his major league career.

D-Backs Series

2005-05-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Astros will be taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks to finish off their series this Thursday. During the last game, the Astros lost by only one point with a score of 6-7. The Astros struggled to come back from the seven-point deficit for mainly the whole game, since Arizona scored all its points before the sixth inning.

The Astros are stacking up a pretty lame record. We are 15 and 24, making us 5th in the NL Central.

Veteran pitcher Roger Clemens will be taking on youthful Brad Halsey. Brad Halsey is beginning his second year in the pro’s. He originally started with the New York Yankees and just came over to the D-Backs at the beginning of this year. Currently, Halsey is matching his 3.88 ERA against Clemens 1.11 ERA.

Team Report:

2005-05-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

RHP Mike Burns was recalled to take the place of RHP Brandon Duckworth, who was ineffective as a starter and reliever. Burns has been the team's top relief prospect for two years; G.M. Tim Purpura calls him a strikeout machine. Burns will work the middle innings and be asked to be a bridge to RHP Chad Qualls, but Burns could replace a struggling Qualls as the setup man if he has success. . . .

Following a hot start, RF Jason Lane's production has been almost absent. Orlando Palmeiro could soon earn more playing time in place of Lane.

OVERLOOKED: Palmeiro delivers in the clutch as a pinch hitter and often carries the offense when he receives a rare start. A lefthanded hitter, Palmeiro is as good against lefthanders as righthanders, and he embraces the role of pinch hitter. Palmeiro is 36, but he still covers ground in the outfield and is a good defender. With the young players struggling, manager Phil Garner likely will turn to his veterans more in the coming weeks.

Clemens lays out the Law

2005-05-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

In a battle of arms, Roger Clemens showed Brett Tomko why he has been in the industry this long. Clemens allowed for only five hits and one run in his eight innings on the mound. Tomko kept up but lost it in the sixth.

Orlando Palmiero was able to break through and get on base. Craig Biggio followed suit with a home run to make the game 3-1. The Astros scored once more after Lance Berkman homered for the first time this season.

Backe Fighting Florida

2005-05-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Astros took on the Florida Marlins a few days back. Brandon Backe had been ripping through the Marlins line-up and up to the sixth inning has not let over one run. Marlins pitcher Brian Moehler had a good start and had not let anything through up until the sixth inning.

Backe had a record of 2-2, which gained up to 2-3 with this loss. Backe had pitched a great game only to see the relievers give up five runs in the eighth.

Team Report:

2005-05-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

Raul Chavez, who is RHP Roy Oswalt's personal catcher, will now catch at least twice a week. That will give the team a better offensive option than Brad Ausmus, who has been in a slump since the season began. Though Ausmus never has been expected to produce much offensively, the club needs to inject life into the lineup wherever it can, and Chavez could provide some pop at the bottom of the order. . . .

RHP Chad Qualls has emerged as the Astros' most reliable setup man and provides a hard-throwing complement to RHP Brad Lidge, the closer.

We’ve Been Screwing Up

2005-04-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

After a 0-5 losing road swing, the Houston Astros are home to try to end the slump. In their most recent game against the Pirates they could not get off any hits. This has been the case for almost all the road games so far for the ‘Stros.

Our next series is up against the Chicago Cubs. The opening marks a legendary game as Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens go head to head. This is not a game to miss!!!

"It should be a good matchup. I'm sure there's going to be a lot of people there to watch it. Any time you have two guys that have proven themselves in a league this long between Maddux and Clemens it's going to be a good matchup. Both of them won Cy Young awards before and it's always good when you see stuff like that in baseball it makes the fans appreciate the game."
- Roy Oswalt

Team Report:

2005-04-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

- from FOXSports.com

RHP Brandon Duckworth finally made his first start of the season last Sunday--he allowed five runs in five innings--but the team isn't completely committed to him as its fifth starter. RHP Ezequiel Astacio is on the same pitching schedule as Duckworth at Class AAA, meaning Astacio easily could step in if Duckworth struggles. Astacio competed with Duckworth in spring training, but Duckworth got the nod--in part because he was out of minor league options.

LF Luke Scott might be the odd man out after OF Lance Berkman (knee) returns from the D.L. because rookie Willy Taveras is the only logical option in center.

5-6 and Clemens

2005-04-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

The Astros return from their road trip just to come back to some aggravated fans. The Reds took the series from the Astros and brought down our previously decent record down to 5-6. Wily Mo Pena sealed the deal with an unbelievably long drive to center field. For all concerned, this brings us down to below .500. This is the first time since season opener against the Cards.

The ‘Stros have halted before victory during this road trip, only allowing themselves one win out of the last five. They lost both series against New York and Cincinnati. The first series against Cinci was a different story.

The Astros go up against the Braves next. Roger Clemons opens the series. He is currently 1-0.

p.s. Changes to my previous Beltran comments have been changed. I don't know what I was thinking, long day apparently. Either way, sorry for posting bunk information. Keep posting your comments so we can make this blog tops!

Reds, Mets, and Beltran... oh my!

2005-04-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Astros are doing pretty well as of now. So far, we have stacked up a record of 4-2, winning the most recent series over the Reds. In the most recent game opening the series with the Mets, the Astros fell with a score of 4-8.

One player that will most likely get a lot of coverage during these next few games will be Carlos Beltran. Formerly part of the ‘Stros, Beltran was moved to the New York Mets at the beginning of this season. Beltran was a major factor in Houston getting as far as we did, but he wasn’t always tops. Even though this is the case, I don’t think we should’ve lost him in his free agency, but what can you do. He was doing really well for our team, but we need to work through not having him.

The next game is this Wednesday against the Mets.

Go Astros!!!

Playing Biggio

2005-04-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

- from the official site of the Houston Astros

Why doesn't Phil Garner consider letting Craig Biggio be his bench player? He would be great coming off the bench and it would give the young players a chance to play. -- Steve I., Spring, Texas

Biggio is one of the few proven bats the Astros have in the lineup. I'm all for giving the rookies a chance, but I don't think it's a good idea to throw them all in there at one time. Biggio is a good offensive option right now, and judging from his first two games, he can still play a solid second base.

I know everyone's excited about the young players, and rightfully so. But having veteran presence in the lineup is so important. The Astros are in for plenty of pressure-packed series this season, and there is a difference between playing in the comforts of home during a season-opening homestand and going to Wrigley Field or Busch Stadium during a pennant race late in the season with 45,000 people screaming for you to strike out. In those situations, the team is better off with Biggio in the lineup.

TOUGH CALL:

2005-04-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

- from FOXSports.com

Performance-wise, Ezequiel Astacio has done everything he needs to do to grab the final spot in the starting rotation. But that does not mean he will make the club, and that decision might not even come until two weeks into the regular season. The Astros do not need a fifth starter until April 17, and even if Astacio wins the job, he'll likely start at Class AAA Round Rock, where he can make two starts before being needed. Next to Astacio, Brandon Duckworth is having the best spring of those vying for the fifth spot, and Duckworth, who is out of options, would likely begin the season in the bullpen until he's needed to start. In that respect, Duckworth has the advantage because he's out of options and can't go to the minor leagues.

Court Cases

2005-03-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

Recently, as everyone who reads this probably knows, a crew of ballplayers went in front of a committee hearing in order to speak on the topic of steroid use; Palmiero, McGwire, Sosa, Schilling, and Canseco.

This is due to recent accusatory statements made by a book released by Jose Canseco where he blacklisted players in the MLB. Before and after this release, steroid use in baseball has become a hot topic. People want to know who used and who still is using.

During the hearing, statements were made by each player trying to clear their name or just state where they stand on the issues of steroid use. Palmiero completely denied anything about any past steroid use. Schilling also denied any association with the substance.

McGwire and Sosa, on the other hand, we’re very loose about their answers. McGwire mainly took the perspective of being a retired player and not needing to place his opinion into the matters. Sosa would not even answer certain questions (his English can’t be that bad).

Is Bagwell safe?

Roger Clemens Seems OK

2005-03-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Roger Clemens has been coming off of a strained right hamstring. Currently, Clemens is not prepared to get back on the mound. He recently pitched 80 pitches in the bullpen with no problems, but as of now he will not participate in the game against Philly.

"If I can keep the game right there on the mound, I can go with that. If I have to make any sharp movements to first base, to back up home or a base, I think I'm going to be right back to where it was at before."
- Roger Clemens

Instead, Clemens is looking at pitching a simulated game as practice to see if his hamstring is rehabilitated enough. He feels comfortable in regular pitching, but not on interaction with the bases about. In other words, quick plays could really screw him right now.

CAMP SURPRISE:

2005-03-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

- from FOXSports.com

Ezequiel Astacio has emerged as a sixth candidate for the fifth starter's job this spring. He might not make the opening day rotation, but he has a good chance to join the club early in the season, thanks to an explosive fastball and control that is tops in the organization. Astacio was not coveted on the same level as Taylor Buchholz when the Astros completed the Billy Wagner trade with the Phillies, but the righthander could have a quick ascent to the big leagues, especially because the Astros have so many question marks in their rotation. Astacio has six years of winter league experience, which makes the Astros more comfortable with pushing him a little quicker than they normally would with a young pitcher.

Biggio at Second

2005-03-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

Craig Biggio has been reacquainting himself with second base. As of now, it has not been stated that Biggio will be playing this position. This has been his chance to test out the waters and see if he can come back to the position he played for many years. An 18-year veteran to the game, Biggio has not played on the right side of the field with Jeff Bagwell in quite some time.

"The first thing I want Biggio to do is [to be] comfortable again at second base. I don't know if that's going to take a week or 10 days or 12 days. The primary goal is to take a look and see how [comfortable he is] at second base. Getting him into games in outfield is on the drawing board."
- Astros manager Phil Garner

When he took the field on Friday, it took Biggio about two innings before he lost his pre-game jitters. Hopefully, Biggio will be able to reacquaint himself with second because it would be nice to see him in this position again. But, just in case, the ‘Stros have still been making sure he’s prepared to play outfield if at all necessary.

"You always get nervous for a game, but as the game progressed and I had a little action every now and then, I felt good. I was happy to play six innings [Friday]. It comes back quick, but the first two innings, I was nervous."
- Craig Biggio

Team Report

2005-03-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

- from FOXSports.com

Phil Garner does not view Mike Lamb or Chris Burke as future outfielders in the long term, but he will play them in the corner outfield positions this spring in an effort to give the team more options. Lamb, a third baseman, has played only a handful of games in the outfield in his career, but as a lefthanded power hitter the Astros need his bat in the lineup. Burke's speed and raw athleticism make him an attractive addition to a slow-footed, veteran lineup. . . .

Lance Berkman will reach the four-month mark since his ACL surgery on March 12, at which time he will begin baseball-related activities. The right fielder stands by his conviction that he will be ready on opening day, but Garner said no chance. A more realistic date is May 1, but management will not make any decisions until they see how Berkman responds to running, turning and other exercises that may challenge the knee. . . .

Garner is not opposed to carrying a third catcher instead of a fifth outfielder or extra utility infielder. Offensively sound Royce Huffman and Mike Coolbaugh will see playing time behind the plate this spring and will be considered as candidates to make the club. Garner pinch hit for Brad Ausmus many times early in games last year, which left the team somewhat vulnerable to being short a catcher in the late innings.

Optimistic Approach

2005-02-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

As of now, the Astros are in a stage where many of the fans are questioning the team’s choices. Recently, the loss of Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltran, and Wade Miller put a great big damper on everyone’s hopes at coming back and taking the NLCS after having it stolen by the Cards last year.

Well, this is the case if you only look at the negatives. It does hurt to lose these players and they were a great factor in leading Houston as far as we got, but this is not necessarily the case.

"I like our choices. It’s one thing to have questions and not have good alternatives, good choices. I like our choices. I don't know what our team's going to be like. Some say we're going to score fewer runs. That won't be a problem if we give up a whole lot less runs. We might score fewer runs but score them at the right time, and be a better ballclub. You don't know."
- Astros Manager Phil Garner

Plus, we do still have the best pitcher in the league (i.e. Roger Clemens) and the third-best. Brandon Backe and Brad Lidge also proved that they can work their magic when it comes to a clutch point.

You need to look past the negatives. We do still have many good players and this year, hopefully, we’ll take the NLCS.

FanFest

2005-02-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Astros will be holding a FanFest this upcoming weekend in order to give a chance for fans to meet the player behind the game. It will be hosted the second weekend of February at the Minute Maid Park.

The events host booths for the players to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. The tickets for this event run $6 for child and $12 for adult. The roster has been split among the two days so make sure that you go on the day of your favorite player. More players will be there the first day, so try to get out there early.

Among the autograph booths, the team will be hosting various clinics such as the “Coaching for Coaches Clinic.” Astros manager Phil Garner will be speaking. Go Astros!!!

The Astros take a more flexible approach.

2005-01-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

Pete Munro has been pitching with the Astros off and on for the last few years. The team has yet to put him on a multiyear contract but they make sure to keep the possibility open. This possibility may never even be explored by the team. Munro, who has the ability to jump from relief pitcher to being in the rotation to starting, does not have a problem taking anything on.

"I know there are some people competing for the fifth spot (in the rotation), which I'm fine with. I feel like I can make that spot. If not, I'm a pretty durable guy. I can pitch out of the bullpen and in the rotation." – Pete Munro

For Astros’ fans, this comes as a little bit of a relief. Munro was brought into the fold during the 2002-2003 seasons due to different injuries and futile attempts of other pitchers. The negotiations continue to rage on and Munro will keep showing his agility with Spring Training.

'Significant offer' made to Beltran

2004-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

By Alyson Footer / MLB.com

Astros owner Drayton McLane, general manager Tim Purpura and president of baseball operations Tal Smith met with free agent center fielder Beltran and his agent, Scott Boras, at the club's Spring Training facility in Kissimmee, Fla., on Wednesday.

The Astros made what Purpura said was a "very significant offer" to Beltran, although he declined to reveal the details of the offer in terms of length or dollars.

"We had a good visit," Purpura said. "Drayton did a very nice job of giving Carlos a view of the franchise from his point of view and his own personal philosophies, the philosophies of his family and how the business operates. It was a great exchange of ideas and thoughts. Carlos spoke quite a bit and was certainly eloquent with his thoughts and ideas. It was just a great day."

Said McLane: "We were very excited to showcase our Spring Training facility, and we feel we had a positive discussion today. We'll continue to have dialogue in the hopes of having Carlos in an Astros uniform for many years to come."

The meeting occurred one day after Beltran and Boras met with New York Yankees officials in Tampa, Fla. The Yankees and Astros are widely known as the two most serious bidders for Beltran's services, while the Mets and Cubs have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

The Astros have been focused their full energies on Beltran, which has somewhat thwarted them in terms of seeking other players whether it be via trades or free agency. That issue was discussed with Beltran on Wednesday.

"It's a real challenge and frankly was something we discussed today, that we do have some timelines that are slipping away from us on certain other players," Purpura said. "It's a real challenge."

The Astros have until Jan. 8 to sign Beltran, who on Dec. 19 rejected the club's offer for arbitration. After Jan. 8, the Astros cannot sign Beltran until May 1, which would effectively end their chances to sign the center fielder to a long-term contract.

Because of the Jan. 8 deadline, Beltran will likely make his decision by that date, even if he decides to sign somewhere other than Houston.

Purpura is confident a deal can be met by the deadline.

"It certainly can be done, from our point of view, but even to get a deal done on the eighth is going to be difficult to do," Purpura said. "We need to get some things moving along and have an opportunity to get a resolution from our point of view before that."

However, the Astros did not give Beltran and Boras any deadlines to make a decision.

"We didn't set down a date," Purpura said. "We said we need some answers. Certainly, the holidays are complicating, and that's going to get in the way for all of us. But I think the message was heard and was very clear."

Boras, known as the toughest agent in terms of the bottom line, sounded encouraged by the Astros' efforts.

"Drayton was very clear that he kept a franchise player in Jeff Bagwell in Houston and did so by paying him a top of the market salary and that that history is something that the organization has had and he as an owner has had," Boras told KRIV-TV. "He was confident that he could compete for Carlos Beltran."

Trades and signings so far this off season

2004-11-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Heres whats going on in terms of signings of the Staff and the Players...
From sports.yahoo.com:
The low-down on Phil Garner:

The interim tag is no longer necessary. Phil Garner will remain the manager of the Houston Astros.

In a move that was expected for weeks, Garner was retained by the Astros on Wednesday, two days after Tim Purpura replaced Gerry Hunsicker as general manager.

``I feel real good about this. I feel very comfortable here and with Tim,'' he said. ``I think this is a good fit for me.''

Garner, 55, took over on an interim basis after Jimy Williams was fired during the All-Star break and guided the Astros within a victory of their first World Series berth.

Garner was perhaps Houston's most significant addition after a midseason swoon left them 44-44. Known as ``Scrap Iron'' during his playing days, Garner's infusing enthusiasm in a veteran club that was close-knit but rarely animated.

Houston won 36 of its final 46 games to clinch the NL wild card, beat Atlanta to win a playoff series for the first time in club history and came a few outs from defeating St. Louis in the NLCS.

``The second half of the 2004 season was among the most exciting in franchise history,'' owner Drayton McLane said. ``We feel Phil's leadership had a tremendous impact on the success of our team ... we look forward to having him as a manager as we continue toward our goal of winning a World Series championship.''

Garner received a two-year contract with a team option for 2007.

Pointing to Garner's success with the club, McLane sought and received permission from commissioner Bud Selig to hire Garner without going through the league-mandated selection process.

Garner and Purpura met extensively over the past two days before agreeing late Wednesday afternoon.

``We are excited to have him back on board to continue the momentum we started last season,'' Purpura said at a news conference. ``I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.''

Garner has already gotten off to quite a start in Houston after never coming close to the postseason in his first two stints as a manager of terrible teams in Milwaukee and Detroit. He had been out of baseball for two years when Hunsicker approached him about the job in early July.

Garner and other Astros officials are making plans to visit free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran in his native Puerto Rico later this week in an effort to get him to re-sign. Improving team speed and upgrading the defense are also top priorities, along with straightening out the pitching staff.

``It's important to have quality people on the club,'' Garner said. ``The bar has been raised and the expectations are higher.''

Garner, an infielder with the Astros from 1981-87, has kept a home in the Houston area since his playing days. He joined Bob Lillis, Art Howe and Larry Dierker as former players who have gone on to manage the team.

Garner's first job as a manager came with Milwaukee in 1992, and he led the Brewers to a 92-70 record and a second-place finish in the AL East. That proved to be his best season there, and Garner was ultimately fired by Milwaukee after 112 games in 1999.

The Tigers hired Garner in 2000, going 145-179 over the next two seasons before firing him after they lost the first six games of the 2002 season. His dismissal tied the quickest firing of a manager who started the season since 1900, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Baltimore fired Cal Ripken Sr. in 1988 after the Orioles lost six games en route to an 0-21 start.

The Astros also announced that bench coach John Tamargo, in his sixth season with the club, will not be part of the staff next season.

What about Biggio and Kent?:

One week after losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series, the Houston Astros have turned their focus toward personnel for 2005.

On Thursday, left fielder Craig Biggio had his option for next season exercised by the team while second baseman Jeff Kent has his option declined. The announcements were made by Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker.

The Astros had a $700,000 buyout on Kent, a former MVP who would have made $9 million next season. He signed a two-year, $18.2 million contract as a free agent in December 2002. If Kent is to play for Houston in 2005, his salary would be diminished.

Clearing $8.3 million in salary could pave the way for the Astros signing center fielder Carlos Beltran, who enters this postseason as the premier player on the free agent market.

Biggio, who has spent his entire 17-year career with the Astros and made $3 million last year, batted .281 with a career-high 24 home runs and 63 RBI in 2004. Houston's all-time leader in games (2,409), hits (2,639) and runs (1,603), Biggio has started on Opening Day in each of the last 16 seasons.

The 38-year-old Biggio hit .269 with two homers and five RBI during a postseason that saw the Astros win their first playoff series.

Drafted as a catcher, Biggio was a Gold Glove second baseman until the Astros signed Kent. With the possibility of the position becoming vacant, he may move back.

Kent, 36, who heads the all-time home run list among second basemen with 278, hit .289 with 27 homers and 107 RBI this season, his second with Houston.

Voted to start the 2004 All-Star Game in Houston, Kent has seven career 100-RBI seasons to tie a major league record for second baseman. He was the NL MVP in 2000 with San Francisco.

In 13 seasons with the Astros, Giants, Blue Jays, Indians and Mets, Kent has hit .289 with 302 home runs and 1,207 RBI.

Hunsicker?:

Tim Purpura has wanted to be a general manager for over a decade. He never expected to get the job, at least not so soon and not in Houston.

When Gerry Hunsicker resigned as GM of the Houston Astros on Monday, Purpura immediately assumed the position vacated by the man who was the architect of five playoff teams in nine years.

Purpura worked under Hunsicker in each of those seasons, never guessing that his boss would leave after one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.

``I have very large shoes to fill,'' said Purpura, who was Hunsicker's assistant and the team's director of player development. ``Realistically, I thought I'd have to go somewhere else to have this kind of opportunity.''

Hunsicker, 53, resigned less than two weeks after the team came within one win of reaching the World Series for the first time. He plans to remain with the Astros as an adviser through next season.

``I will look with pride at what we have accomplished,'' Hunsicker said. ``We almost got there, and I know we are going to get there real soon.''

Hunsicker came to the Astros in 1995 from the New York Mets, where he was the No. 2 person in baseball operations. He previously worked with the Astros as traveling secretary, minor league pitching coach, scout and assistant to the general manager.

During his tenure, Hunsicker earned acclaim for consistently keeping the Astros competitive despite their budget constraints in a medium-sized market.

Hunsicker's clubs won four NL Central Division titles and finished second three times, including this past season. He might have done his best job this year, signing Andy Pettitte away from the New York Yankees and luring another Yankees starter, Roger Clemens, out of retirement to join his buddy.

When the Astros went into a midseason slump, Hunsicker swung a trade for All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran and fired manager Jimy Williams. He turned to Phil Garner, who had been out of baseball for two years after spending 10 seasons managing terrible teams in Milwaukee and Detroit.

The move worked. Houston reeled off 36 wins in the final 46 games to clinch the NL wild card, beat Atlanta to win a playoff series for the first time in club history and came a few outs from knocking off St. Louis in the NLCS.

``Gerry did an excellent job this season,'' Astros owner Drayton McLane said. ``He's one of the best in the game at what he does.''

But Hunsicker had been considering a life without baseball, if only briefly. He had one year remaining on his contract and said the subject of a contract extension came up last week in a meeting with McLane.

``I told them at the start of that meeting that next year would be my 10th year and that was a long time staying in one place,'' Hunsicker said.

He wasn't interested in an extension and said that Purpura who was ready to assume the top job.

``He has got the ability,'' Hunsicker said. ``He is willing to take on this challenge. He is just waiting for the opportunity.''

Purpura has been in the Astros organization for 11 years, including stints as assistant director of minor league operations and director of player relations. Now he's on top.

``I had no idea something like this might happen,'' he said. ``When I was told, I was absolutely blown away.''

He joined Houston after spending two seasons on the staff of the Arizona Fall League. He also was an assistant in player development with the California Angels and headed special projects for the San Diego Padres' minor league department.

Over the years, Purpura interviewed for general manager jobs with Anaheim, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. But he always held out a slim hope that he might get a chance to take over when Hunsicker left.

``In my heart, this is where I always wanted to be,'' Purpura said. ``It all comes down to me wanting to be an Astro.''

But now comes the hard part. The Astros face an offseason full of tough decisions, with most moves contingent on convincing Beltran to stay in Houston.

Beltran is perhaps baseball's most coveted free agent after a huge postseason in which he hit .435 with a league record-tying eight homers, 14 RBIs and 21 runs scored in 12 games. Only a handful of teams will be able to afford Beltran's soaring price tag -- the Yankees likely chief among his suitors.

``We're going to continue our pursuit of Carlos as judiciously as we can,'' Purpura said.

The Astros will also likely make a decision soon on whether to retain Garner, who was given a contract only to the end of the season after taking over at the All-Star break.

Garner, who did not attend the hastily called news conference, met with team officials later Monday.

``I've met with the club ... it was a scheduled meeting,'' said Garner, who called Hunsicker's resignation ``somewhat rather unexpected.''

To sort of recap whats going on, GM Hunsicker will resign and his contract will end next year after he helps train the next GM. Phil Garner will sign with the Astros for the next 2 years and a option for 2007. Biggio will remain on the squad and they will not pick up Kents option. They will be out hunting for Beltran, but if they do not get him, they will probably try to get Kent for cheaper than what the option would be. As far as Clemens goes, we will have to wait and see.

We got shut down with our hopes so high.

2004-10-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Our season was incredible. We were down 5 games from the Cubs and we managed to go 36-10 for one of the greatest comebacks in MLB history. Our team this year was really special, and they deserve alot of credit. Not only did they disregard all downers, they played whole-heartedly. We have to hope that we can keep most of our guys this year to make another run for it next year. St.Louis, like us, has an impossible home record to overcome. We basically would have had the low end of the stick even if we would have made it to the World Series which is being shown by the Cardinals who are 0-2. We had a great series aside from the occassional mishap in the pitching rotation. Backe came from being a nobody to being one of the biggest guys on our squad. I am really proud of our guys for making it this far despite the critiques of EVERYBODY, including mine. If we can get guys like Beltran and Clemens back, we could make another run for it this year. Lets get out and support these guys so they will stay. GO STROS even if you didn't make it all the way, it was one heck of a season.

CAN YOU SAY WORLD SERIES?

2004-10-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

The game just ended and boy am I pumped up. We just won game 5 in the bottom of the ninth with a homerun off of Kent. I just have to say " I believe." Early on this season, I was doubtful, very doubtful. But the B's have come back to get my faith along with all my other fellow Houstonians. We had the ability, we just didn't start using until a couple of months ago. I am really excited for the Astros, as I have lived in Houston 14 years and nothing like this has ever happened. Not only did Kent make a great hit, Beltran deserves atleast half of the credit with his amazing homeruns and the plays he made today. Backe pitched a phenomenally with only 1 hit against him with a few walks. Lidge finished off strong for us again. All the guys this year really deserve credit, and I am sure the credit will be given when we go all the way. GOOOO Astros!

We got passed one milestone, but we are not close to being done yet.

2004-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

We finally beat the team that has plagued our ball club for the last few years. Although we got passed that huge hump in the road, we still got a logn ways to go. We are down 2-1 and we have games at home that we need to pump it up for. We need to keep up the intensity and keep faith in Oswalt so he can pitch a game that everybody knows he is capable of. Lets play it like we did against the Cardinals in the last series we played against them. St. Louis's pitcher,Marquis, hasn't proven to be strong against the Astros and we just need to play it out. If Beltran keeps up his hitting, we will have the lead in no time. Lets go Astros and Keep Beltran!!!!

Caminiti Dead at 41

2004-10-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

... It's hard to begin on a down note like this. No one ever expects for people to pass. No one ever wants to expect the worse. But life goes on as well as baseball. Ken Caminiti contributed to America's past time for 15 years...

I am not good at these type of things, here is Padres chairman John Moores on Caminiti Death.

Becky and I are grief-stricken at the premature death of one of the bravest athletes that we have known. We admired Ken tremendously and remained optimistic that he would conquer the personal challenges that he was dealing with during the past several years.

Though we lost a dear friend today, we are thankful that we were able to watch one of baseball's consummate craftsmen at work. Ken's immense talent was driven by a tremendous work ethic and an insurmountable passion for the game. He will be deeply missed by the entire Padres' organization.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Nancy, his children and the entire Caminiti family.

Smoltz, Lidge Big Factors in Game 2

2004-10-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com

ATLANTA -- The box score says John Smoltz and Brad Lidge did not figure in this Game 2 thriller...

Typical of the "win-at-all-costs" mind-set that the Astros and Braves carried into their National League Division Series, Houston closer Lidge and Braves stopper Smoltz went the distance -- and then some -- in a game finally decided by Rafael Furcal's 11th-inning home run.

For Lidge, it meant struggling through 2 2/3 innings and throwing 39 pitches, the most since he needed 41 pitches to notch a two-inning save at Los Angeles on July 9. This time, he allowed the Braves to tie the game but dodged enough trouble to keep them from going ahead.

For Smoltz, it meant working three innings, through the end of the 10th, and throwing a whopping 45 pitches, the last of which blazed past a helpless Jason Lane at 97 mph. It meant holding down the fort and giving the Atlanta offense a shot.

It even meant chipping in some offense of his own.

So there was Smoltz in the batter's box, leading off the bottom of the ninth inning with a single to right field off Lidge. With the game tied at 2 and only Eli Marrero left on Cox's bench, Smoltz was an unlikely potential winning run...

Lidge, who was forced to bend but never broke, stubbornly stranded Smoltz at third base. So in the top of the 10th inning, out went the 37-year-old Smoltz, who along with Yankee-turned-Astro Andy Pettitte has 13 career wins in the playoffs, most all-time.

Smoltz had 44 saves this season, 15 of more than one inning, including four that went a full two innings. He had never gone three until Thursday, when he finished his third inning of work with authority, preserving the 2-2 tie by striking out Lane with the go-ahead run at second base.

Smoltz finally made way for Antonio Alfonseca in the 11th. In three innings Smoltz held Houston hitless, walked two and struck out three. Furcal delivered the game-winning blow in the bottom of the 11th...

Smoltz has been successful more often than not in his career. Lidge has been watching.

The admiration was mutual.

Lidge emerged as a force after the Astros traded Octavio Dotel to land center fielder Carlos Beltran in late June. He converted 29 saves with one of baseball's most dominating sliders, but never worked more than two innings in any of them.

On Thursday, Lidge came on with a runner at first, one out in the seventh inning and the Astros clinging to a 2-1 lead...

The runner, Furcal, stole second and scurried to third on a throwing error by catcher Raul Chavez. But Furcal was then tagged out at the plate by Lidge, trying to score on a ball that scuttled away from Chavez.

Lidge could not avoid similar damage in the eighth, when Adam LaRoche lined a run-scoring double that knotted the game and ultimately forced extra innings.

1/2 GAME LEAD!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOH!

2004-09-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

I have to admit, when I started this blog, I really didn't believe that we could take the lead in the wild card considering we were about 10 games back from the wild card. Now that I look back, this has been one of the most exciting 6 weeks of Astros play in years. We have been playing spectacularly and the Win column is actually getting filled. After that 12 game win streak, I knew something special was coming on and it sure came true. I feel that the players are pushing themselves really hard, especially with the debated retirement of some of the players (I.E. Biggio). If we can keep this up for the next 3 game series against the Rockies, I think we could actually make it far this year. Let’s get up and cheer them to the playoffs!

1/2 GAME LEAD!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOH!

2004-09-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, when I started this blog, I really didn't believe that we could take the lead in the wild card considering we were about 10 games back from the wild card. Now that I look back, this has been one of the most exciting 6 weeks of Astros play in years. We have been playing spectacularly and the Win column is actually getting filled. After that 12 game win streak, I knew something special was coming on and it sure came true. I feel that the players are pushing themselves really hard, especially with the debated retirement of some of the players(I.E. Biggio). If we can keep this up for the next 3 game series against the rockies, I think we could actually make it far this year. Lets get up and cheer them to the playoffs!

We gotta win!

2004-09-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

If we want to keep our playoff hopes alive, we have to beat the Giants. They are beating us by a mere 2 games and with one win against them, it could be just what we need. Although, aside from the first inning yesterday, we play pretty poorly, I know we have the spark in us( the spark that won us so many games in row). Now lets pump it up before its too late. Now GOOO Stros!

1 game back

2004-09-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Both the Giants and the Cubs are ahead by one game in the race for the NL wild card. We are 1 game back from both of them. The problem was we lost were we should have won and we won( 1 game so far) were the critics( not me) thought were we wouldn't. We have somehow caught the Cards offguard and we need to keep it up. Clemens pitched an amazing game...
From sports.yahoo.com

Clemens won his 327th game with seven strong innings and the Astros held on for a 7-5 victory on Tuesday night.

And Berkman played a career best with an astonishing 4 hits with a 3 run double aswell. Its almost as if we play hard when it really counts and I'm like our style of play. Now lets sweep the Cardinals BABY!

We need to pump it back up

2004-09-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

As of right now we are in a 3 way tie for the Wild card spot, but we arent looking good against the Pirates. We are playing a 5 games series in 3 days and we cant get tired after making it so close to the finish. We need to keep up the good work and finish off strong. As fo right now we are in a game with the Pirates and we are down 1-4. We need to get the flare we had in the last 15 games with Mike Lamb's unbelievable playing. Now lets get back in this stros!

Never Say Never

2004-09-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

With a sweep over the Cincinnati Reds, the Astros have made it a 12 game win streak. The Astros started off then game with a slew of home runs by C. Biggo(21), J. Bagwell(24), C. Berkman(27), and M. Lamb(12) all in the first inning(4 total). Now the Astros have humbled the experts and critics by sharing the wild card lead with the Cubs. First wild card then pennant.

Go Stros!!!

I didnt think it was possible

2004-09-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

After us winning 6 in a row!!!, my disbelief is unsurpassable. I thought our playoff hopes this year were pretty bad and probably utterly impossible, but boy was I wrong. We are making up for more than I thought possible and we are soon going to pass up San Diego in the Wild Card race. So lets keep this up Astros and we will be in the playoffs in no time. Lets get out there and cheer them on guys and GOOOOO ASTROS!!!!

Season nearly gone

2004-08-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

With the current massive losts by the stros, the playoff hopes arent out of the picture but its hanging on by the thinnest thread you've ever seen. Unless everything goes exactly for the stros and they win all of thier next games, the playoffs are a mere figmant of our imagination.
Even though I would like to think otherwise, its the truth and its hard to take but true. Owell we need a HUGE miracle to get it done, lets cheer extra hard for the rest of the regular season.

Expos are killing us

2004-08-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

As the end of the season grows closer, The Expos are killing us. We need a miracle and we need it fast. They just turned our season to a loosing one but maybe the Mets will be in a down mood after loosing 3 straight, and well.. play poorly. But hoping is hoping , but we need to start playing hardball. Lets go stros!! Pick it up!!

Bitter Sweet Victory

2004-08-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Astros beat Montreal yesterday, but while the game Everett got hit by a pitch and broke his arm. It kind of sucks but we need to be optimistic. He might be out for the season but as for now we are hoping for the best. He seemed well..
From sports.yahoo.com

``At first I didn't think it was too bad,'' Everett said. ``But when they came out and started feeling it, I realized it was pretty serious. Then I knew it was probably broken. I'm really bummed about it. If there's anything I can do to get back before the season is over, I will.''

He'll be back, he better be back. The Astros are going all the way this season baby! GO STROS!

Atlanta 5, Astros 4

2004-08-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

From Sports.Yahoo.com:

Thomson held the Astros to four hits for seven innings and pitched the Atlanta Braves to a 5-4 victory.

``Everytime I've pitched against them before, it seemed like they had my number. Tonight I decided to throw more off-speed stuff and changeups and I got a lot more ground balls,'' Thomson said.

Thomson was 2-4 with a 7.71 ERA against Houston in six previous games.

Although this season has to this point has had its ups and downs, The stros seem to be slacking a bit in the last couple of games. Maybe Darren Oliver with a 0-3 career record against the Braves can pull something through tonight and get us a win. I think we are going to need a miracle to pull us through to the playoffs this season, but I think we have enough to do it. Lets just keep on cheerin for the stros and maybe they'll pull something good off tonight..

GO STROS! GET US A WIN TONIGHT!

Astros, Clemens look for win against Braves

2004-08-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

The Houston Astros came from behind to beat the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, 7-5, to win the series, two games to one.
After a much-needed offday on Monday, Roger Clemens will open this week's series with the Atlanta Braves. Clemens, who led all Houston starters with a 3.21 ERA in July, has not beaten the Braves in three career regular season starts.

He did earn the win during the decisive Game 4 of the 1999 World Series, allowing one run over 7 2/3 innings in a 4-1 win to cap the four-game sweep.

Clemens is 8-2 with a 2.67 ERA over 13 home starts this year. He has allowed 25 earned runs over 84 1/3 innings at Minute Maid Park.

pettite's gone! yeah!

2004-07-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

andy pettite tore something in his arm and won't be able to burden us for awhile. i'm looking forward to his off-time. hopefully we can get some half-ass rookie to replace him. it will no doubt be an improvement.

we're going up against cormier tonight. me likey!

stros ready to rock

2004-07-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

we can't even beat a team on a 14 game skid. at least oswalt's pitching tonight. let's see what happens!

Stros' pen strikes again

2004-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

congrats to the stellar houston bullpen for blowing another one. You rock!

Petitte and Clemens a stupid deal

2004-07-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

As I said for months, these two guys won't bring a championship to Houston. Clemens may be having a good year, but he's liable to get pounded down the stretch. Petitte is just a big pussy. plain and simple. He's never been a great pitcher and he never will be.

HOWDY HOUSTON!!!

2004-07-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

Another Astros fan here, starting up yet another blog devoted to the only team that matters. I'll be posting regular updates with news and opinions, and I welcome your comments, questions, and corrections. Since it's the All-Star break right now, there's not much going on in Astros news, but I'll put up a few numbers for now to show how the season is going and where we are right now.

At the moment we're at .500 even, not too spectacular. That's okay, though. We've got time and I've got faith in the Astros to bring things around in the second half of the season. We're coming off a 1-3 series in LA, and we're back in Houston on Friday to face the Padres. Should be a good series.

Congrats to Carlos Beltran and Roger Clemens, who will be representing the National League tomorrow night in the All-Star game here in Houston! Also, Lance Berkman will compete in the Home Run Derby tonight. GOOD WORK, GUYS!!! Thanks for representing the Houston Astros so well!!!

Well, back to work for now. I'll post again a little later this week.

Thanks for visiting!

GO ASTROS!!!