AstrosTalk 2009 Season Thread

[GuerillaBlack]

Go on...

Started off with a disappointing loss to the Cubs (4-2). Heh, 161 games left, but I think this will be a down year for Roy.

[Strike]

Both teams left 14 runners stranded. Should have been a higher scoring game for both teams. Oswalt didn't pitch terrible, just had a couple pitches knocked out.

[Spurminator]

Two games in and I've counted three AWFUL baserunning decisions by the Astros that lead to unnecessary outs.

[ATRAIN]

ill take that win last night but yeah Spurminator is right

[Dr. Gonzo]

Nice offensive production tonight. Too bad we got in a hole really early. It's nice to see a HR from 5 out of top 6 in the lineup. I just wish the fucking pitching would get better.

[BRHornet45]

the Astros starting pitching this season is equivalent to most AAA teams

[Dr. Gonzo]

AAA?

That's giving them too much credit. At least Brandon Backe is going to be back soon.:smchode:

[GuerillaBlack]

The Astros can't score, nor can they stop runs for shit. We have opened up the season sucking...as usual.

[BRHornet45]

AAA?

That's giving them too much credit. At least Brandon Backe is going to be back soon.:smchode:

sons this team sucks balls .... lol Backe? I am still wondering why we continue to give this clown chance after chance every year. He had like 2 good weeks of pitching in the playoffs years ago and thats it .... the dude is trash.

[EricB]

Any idea what the pitching rotation will look like for this weekend?

The girlfriend is a big Reds fan so were roadtripping it to Houston to watch the series.

Thanks.

[Dr. Gonzo]

It should be Oswalt tomorrow, Wandy on Saturday and I have no idea who will be going on Sunday since that piece of shit Moehler is on the DL.

[EricB]

:lol Thanks

[leemajors]

2 game streak@!

[ATRAIN]

Shit the Pirates have always given us problems for some reason so ill take these two wins!!

[Marcus Bryant]

.33333333333 bitches!1

[Artest93]

Astros called up Alberto Arias, so he'll probably start in place of moehler....The kid has really good stuff, so hopefully he won't get lit up like a pinball machine (alas Brian Moehler)

[Dr. Gonzo]

Arias had some good stuff during Spring Training. It's about time they get some youth in that rotation.

[Mad_Hatter]

Wandy doing good so far. like usual though health and consistency always an issue.

[whottt]

My question:

Is it possible for Lance Berkman to suck more ass than he is currently sucking?

[ATRAIN]

My question:

Is it possible for Lance Berkman to suck more ass than he is currently sucking?

Yes, but dont worry it wont stay that way.

[Reggie Miller]

My question:

Is it possible for Lance Berkman to suck more ass than he is currently sucking?

He could put on another 40 pounds or so. Then he would suck even more ass (and wind).

[Dr. Gonzo]

My question:

Is it possible for Lance Berkman to suck more ass than he is currently sucking?

He usually starts off slow but not this slow. I think he will rebound and still put up good numbers.

[manufan10]

Started off crappy, but have slowly picked it up.

[Spurminator]

It's time to blow this thing up and rebuild.

The only player we need to keep is Pence. I don't know if we'd be able to deal Berkman, but we've been dealt an unexpected blessing in that Tejada's trade value is probably very high right now. With Tejada and Oswalt as chips, we can go a long way towards rebuilding with some top-quality minor league prospects.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I agree. There is no way this team is getting anywhere. They need to start rebuilding their farm system and getting some youth in this team.

[ATRAIN]

I agree. There is no way this team is getting anywhere. They need to start rebuilding their farm system and getting some youth in this team.

Yeah as much as I hate seeing guys like Berkman and Roy go I think its time we send them off. I would be happy if we traded off Lee and Tejada and went younger.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Maysonet's monster game last night may have caused Matsui to strain his vagina for good. They placed him on the 15 day DL.

[ATRAIN]

4 in a row!!! Its pretty sad that this is our season best streak. Col again tonight and Pitt this weekend. If we want to make up some ground THIS IS IT!!

[leemajors]

they need to tank so drayton doesn't have an excuse to do nothing.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I don't think tanking is necessary. They will still lose 90+ games.

I think the floundering attendance will cause him to make some big changes. Maysonet is doing great so far. Hopefully they can dump Matsui and get this kid some permanent playing time.

[ATRAIN]

I don't think tanking is necessary. They will still lose 90+ games.

I think the floundering attendance will cause him to make some big changes. Maysonet is doing great so far. Hopefully they can dump Matsui and get this kid some permanent playing time.

I got to see Maysonet here in Round Rock and the guy is good. Him and Johnson were our best prospects in AAA so im glad to see him with the Stros.

[manufan10]

Hunter Pence is becoming one of my favorite players on this team. Michael Bourn is continuing to improve. I hope that the Astros can turn it around, but they have a huge mountain to climb.

[ATRAIN]

Hunter Pence is becoming one of my favorite players on this team. Michael Bourn is continuing to improve. I hope that the Astros can turn it around, but they have a huge mountain to climb.

Its painful to watch but I still watch. Nice to see Bourn finally earning his paycheck.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Winter ball really paid off for Bourn.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Four back from first. I don't know how I feel about this. On one hand I'm glad they are winning and doing better, but on the other hand, I know McClain will see this as a team that is a piece away and will stick to the old guys.

I like seeing them win though.

[ATRAIN]

Four back from first. I don't know how I feel about this. On one hand I'm glad they are winning and doing better, but on the other hand, I know McClain will see this as a team that is a piece away and will stick to the old guys.

I like seeing them win though.

Yeah same here but we are no where near in a position to win it all. I still want us to win and glad we closed the gap a bit. I forgot how many series we have won but its like 5 straight or something like that. We got the Rangers again starting tomm. Hopefully we can take all 3 :).

[Artest93]

If the astros close it to within 1 or 2 games of first in the division, would you guys support a trade for a power pitcher?

[ATRAIN]

If the astros close it to within 1 or 2 games of first in the division, would you guys support a trade for a power pitcher?

Depends, who are we trading?

[weebo]

This team ain't winning shit. The Astros are better off trading some of their current guys to replenish the farm system uncle Drayton so kindly allowed to be decimated by Pupura and now Wade. The only problem now is that uncle Drayton gave no trade clauses to the most viable of trade pieces. Oh well, maybe will get something decent for Hawkins and Valverde.

[weebo]

If the astros close it to within 1 or 2 games of first in the division, would you guys support a trade for a power pitcher?

The astros are in no position to be trading for anyone. Its time to rebuild the farm systems. This is already an old team with a very bleak future (aka no talent in the minors).

[ATRAIN]

This team ain't winning shit. The Astros are better off trading some of their current guys to replenish the farm system uncle Drayton so kindly allowed to be decimated by Pupura and now Wade. The only problem now is that uncle Drayton gave no trade clauses to the most viable of trade pieces. Oh well, maybe will get something decent for Hawkins and Valverde.

Yeah I agree with you. Our farm sucks ass right now. We need to figure some shit out. Maybe we can ship Lee and Tejada off for prospects.

[ATRAIN]

oh yeah and Weebo......suck it lol

[Dr. Gonzo]

The astros are in no position to be trading for anyone. Its time to rebuild the farm systems. This is already an old team with a very bleak future (aka no talent in the minors).

I agree.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Tejada would be nice to get rid of but who else would play SS if we don't get one in return?

[ATRAIN]

Tejada would be nice to get rid of but who else would play SS if we don't get one in return?

Maysonet is a SS. Thats what he played in RR.

[Dr. Gonzo]

That dude has been pretty good. I've been really impressed with Bourne though. He is really getting some nice hits with RISP.

Yesterday was great when he stole second and third and then scored on an infield hit. His speed is great for this club.

[ATRAIN]

That dude has been pretty good. I've been really impressed with Bourne though. He is really getting some nice hits with RISP.

Yesterday was great when he stole second and third and then scored on an infield hit. His speed is great for this club.

He he didnt look like a good deal when we got him. I just wished Kaz would stay healthy but he is looking like his days as an Astro are numbered. Kata has seemed decent so maybe we can trade off Kaz for prospects too. Ship off Kaz, Lee, Tejada, Valverde and we might be able to get some prospects. I hope Chris Johnson can make the leap later this year and play 3rd for us.

[weebo]

Lee won't waive his no trade clause. We're pretty much stuck with this fat ass and the only way to get rid of miggy is if good ol' Drayton eats up part of the remaining 13 mil...ya right!

Atranny: in the words of a wise man "can't we all just get along?"

[ATRAIN]

Lee won't waive his no trade clause. We're pretty much stuck with this fat ass and the only way to get rid of miggy is if good ol' Drayton eats up part of the remaining 13 mil...ya right!

Atranny: in the words of a wise man "can't we all just get along?"

Well Lee only has a year left right? How about Miggs? I hated losing Wiggy but I know it was for the better of the team but it pisses me off what we gave up for him. Same thing for Tejada.

[ATRAIN]

Atranny: in the words of a wise man "can't we all just get along?"

LOL I guess bitch, but you started this fued. We can call a truce tell next seasons chat sessions.

[leemajors]

That dude has been pretty good. I've been really impressed with Bourne though. He is really getting some nice hits with RISP.

Yesterday was great when he stole second and third and then scored on an infield hit. His speed is great for this club.

yeah at least he started producing, was looking like a bust last year.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I saw Jason Castro play last night against the Missions and he looks like he is going to be a good player. He went 1-3 with a walk and scored twice. He's pretty good behind the plate and has a very strong throw to second. I'm excited about what this guy will bring to the team next season.

[EricB]

Cardinals could take Tejada off your hands for A couple of solid minor league arms and a 2008 Triple A MVP outfielder :)

[Artest93]

Astros aren't gonna trade tejada within the division.....heard rumblings that a lot of teams have strong interest in Latroy Hawkins

[Dr. Gonzo]

Backe starts tonight. How this guy still gets to pitch, much less start at a major league level is beyond me.

He is terrible.

[EricB]

Backe starts tonight. How this guy still gets to pitch, much less start at a major league level is beyond me.

He is terrible.

So what did the guy top out in 2004 or somethin? :lol

Dude was unhittable in that freaking NLCS.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Bottom of the 1st and already gave up his first HR.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Another.

[Dr. Gonzo]

6 of the last 7 series wins. 5.5 back of St. Louis and 4.5 back from the Wild Card.

Do they have a shot at the post season? :lmao

[EricB]

Yeah they have a good shot no question.

If I were them, I would go after a solid rotation guy when they become available.

If they could get one with Oswalt they would have a GREAT shot.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I think I'm the only person in Texas that watched the Missions vs. the Hooks on FSN last night instead of the Horns but I'm really happy with how Castro is working out. He was 2-4 with a HR. He is on a 16 game hit streak. I know he was drafted for his defense and any offense he gives would be a bonus but he is showing very good plate discipline and a good bat. I'm excited about what this kid is going to give the 'stros in a couple of years.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Yay!

Astros set to release Backe

Fan favorite gone after refusing assignment to Minors

AN DIEGO -- Brandon Backe, the local product that endeared himself to Astros fans with his penchant for coming up big in the playoffs, is done in Houston. Backe, who was designated for assignment Friday, cleared waivers and exercised his right to reject an assignment to Triple-A Round Rock. The Astros placed him on waivers Monday with the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said Backe chose to reject the assignment and ensure he'd receive the rest of his $1.55 million salary. He could have accepted the assignment or opted to become a free agent, at which point he would not have gotten paid.
Backe, 31, came to Spring Training competing for a spot in the starting rotation, but he strained an intercostal muscle in early March and wound up missing two months. The injury opened the door for Russ Ortiz to seize the final spot in the rotation.
"We were hoping he could go to Triple-A," Wade said. "We had talked about that Saturday night, and [assistant general manager] David Gottfried talked to [agent] Brian Grieper a couple of times over the weekend, and we thought it was headed in that direction. When we got the form back today, it indicated he rejected the assignment."
Backe made six starts between Round Rock and Double-A Corpus Christi on a Minor League rehab assignment this year before rejoining the Astros and pitching mostly out of the bullpen. He appeared in five games (one start) and allowed 21 hits, 15 earned runs and five homers in 13 innings.
"We wanted to give him a chance to come in and compete in Spring Training," Wade said. "He had the strain and missed all of Spring Training. Some of the decisions we had hoped to be able to make in Spring Training got pushed into the season. Ortiz stepped up and won the job and at that point [Jose] Capellan was playing well and as the season progressed, other guys stepped up."
A native of Galveston, Texas, Backe was acquired by the Astros on Dec. 14, 2003, in exchange for Geoff Blum and quickly became a fan favorite. He went 5-3 in '04 in mostly a relief role, before going 10-8 in the rotation in '05 and helping the Astros to the World Series. He struggled with injuries in '06 before having Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery, which cost him almost all of the '07 season.
He came back healthy in 2008, but didn't pitch well. He made 31 starts and was 9-14 with a 6.05 ERA, leading the league in earned runs (112) and home runs (36) allowed.
But Backe saved his biggest moments for the brightest stage.
In Game 5 of the 2004 National League Championship Series, Backe held St. Louis to one hit over eight scoreless innings in a game the Astros eventually won on Jeff Kent's walk-off homer in the ninth. He held St. Louis to two hits and one run in 5 2/3 innings in Game 4 of the 2005 NLCS and delivered in the World Series that year, throwing seven scoreless innings against the White Sox in Game 4.
Backe on Friday expressed some frustration at not being able to rejoin the rotation when he returned from his Minor League rehab, but Wade said nothing was promised.
"I went to Brandon right away when he got hurt in Spring Training, and I knew that he was frustrated and talking to the trainers he was trying to make things happen that weren't going to happen," Wade said. "I said 'Back off and relax. This has to run its course.' We sent him out on the rehab assignment, and our expectations at that point were that he was going to be in the rotation.
"At some point, you have to take your heart out of the process and use your head, and we just felt when you start talking about [Felipe] Paulino and other guys in the rotation, there really wasn't anything for him to be other than what I refer to as the Maytag repair man, the role that [Brian] Moehler had at the beginning of last season before he got his chance in the rotation.
"He was victimized somewhat by his performance last year, but more than anything he was victimized by his injury in Spring Training and the fact other guys snuck up."
The departure of Backe leaves the Astros with only three remaining players from their 2005 World Series team -- Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez.

[ATRAIN]

1 down 2 to go.......Moehler and Hampton need to go. Paulino was freaking awesome Sat night with 9k's. Ortiz has been good we well.

[stretch]

LMAO astros

[200 miles]

It's a nice sunny day game at PETCO Park...

and it's the "REVENGE OF THE KILLER BEES"!!!

How bizarre and just one inning to go.

Tommy boy: YOUR FIREARMS ARE USELESS AGAINST THEM!

[EricB]

Its not one bit sunny here in San Diego....

[Dr. Gonzo]

Yay! They are at .500!!

[djohn2oo8]

With a cubs win tonight, the Astros would be only 2.5 games out of first in the divsion :wow

[Texas Chili Dog]

man, the Astros are actually decent overall against Major League teams not named the Rangers. :lol

[ATRAIN]

being .500 at the break is way more than I expected this year.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I'm still hoping they are sellers at the trade deadline and try to get some more young prospects into the farm system. Miggy and Carlos Lee should be on the block and hopefully they can get some arms for them.

[cherylsteele]

LMAO astros
Why do you laugh about the Astros?
Are you a Rangers fan?
At least the Astros make the post-season much more consistently than the Rangers.

[johngateswhiteley]

fuck the cardinals...i love it.

[Marcus Bryant]

Props to LaRussa for walking Tejada to pitch to Lee.

[Dr. Gonzo]

This has been a great series so far. They came out of the break with those 2 great games against the Dodgers and then fucked up at the end of the series. I'm glad they were able to win this series against the Red Birds and get a little closer to the top of the division.

[Biggems]

i wish the Astros could play the whole season the way they do the 2nd half....they would be the best team in baseball year in and year out if they could....unfortunately, they are always such slow starters.

[Mister Sinister]

How absolutely *bitchin'!*

[BRHornet45]

i wish the Astros could play the whole season the way they do the 2nd half....they would be the best team in baseball year in and year out if they could....unfortunately, they are always such slow starters.

son the problem is that the majority of players on the team are downright lazy. Berkman shows up to spring training fatter and fatter every year. it takes him many months to get into shape.

[ATRAIN]

Glad we already took the series against the red birds, hopefully we can sweep tonight and come within 1 game.

[Dr. Gonzo]

i wish the Astros could play the whole season the way they do the 2nd half....they would be the best team in baseball year in and year out if they could....unfortunately, they are always such slow starters.

This season they actually had a good first half of the season, by Astro's standards. Them getting to .500 by the break will really help them if they do go into their usual 2nd half tear.

[ATRAIN]

This season they actually had a good first half of the season, by Astro's standards. Them getting to .500 by the break will really help them if they do go into their usual 2nd half tear.

yeah and big suprise has been our starting pitching over the last 7 games. I saw the combined stats last night and its pretty sick considering who we have after wandy and Roy.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Moehler has been doing well lately. He is a lot better than Russ Ortiz, although Ortiz did have a solid outing against the Dodgers the other day. I really like Arias and what he has brought the past couple of months. I think he can be a starter next season and he is still a young dude.

[ATRAIN]

Moehler has been doing well lately. He is a lot better than Russ Ortiz, although Ortiz did have a solid outing against the Dodgers the other day. I really like Arias and what he has brought the past couple of months. I think he can be a starter next season and he is still a young dude.

Who is the guy that was playing 1st last night? I have never heard of him.

[Dr. Gonzo]

It is Chris Coste. He was picked up off of waivers from the Phillies about a week or so ago. He was a catcher with them but I guess they will be using him as a utility guy.

[ATRAIN]

It is Chris Coste. He was picked up off of waivers from the Phillies about a week or so ago. He was a catcher with them but I guess they will be using him as a utility guy.

Yeah he looks old, hahah looks like we are going after phillies guys again.

[Dr. Gonzo]

As well as they are doing and as excited as I am for them to be doing well, I still kinda hope they can trade Miggy and or Lee. I just don't see enough youth in this team to be able to be competitive for the next few years. But I'm gonna try not to think about that and just enjoy the season. It should come down to the wire again for the Wild Card.

[djohn2oo8]

Astros picked up Coste b/c the Cubs needed a catcher since Soto is on the DL, and they took him before the Cubs could

[ATRAIN]

As well as they are doing and as excited as I am for them to be doing well, I still kinda hope they can trade Miggy and or Lee. I just don't see enough youth in this team to be able to be competitive for the next few years. But I'm gonna try not to think about that and just enjoy the season. It should come down to the wire again for the Wild Card.

Yeah same here, right now we could prob get more for Lee even though Tejada is doing better. I wouldnt mind shipping off Lee and putting some more speed in Left. I just wish we would have kept Scott and put him in left. His bat is just as good or better than lee.

[ATRAIN]

Astros picked up Coste b/c the Cubs needed a catcher since Soto is on the DL, and they took him before the Cubs could

LMAO NICE!!! Glad to see the cubs lose last night too, this NL central will not dissapoint again this year. Baseball tonight was giving us a lot of cred last night. I loved it.

[ATRAIN]

hell mother fucking YEAHH.........Way to go Miggy, 1 game back now from the cards!! 3 game sweep of the cards!!!

[djohn2oo8]

:downspin:YEAH!!!!

[ATRAIN]

ESPN.com front page giving us some love :)


Upward Bound

Houston's problems? A thing of the past. Wednesday night's 4-3 win over St. Louis leaves the Astros a game back in the NL Central. Don't act surprised.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/notebook?page=bbtn

Astros making usual second-half move

By Fernando Vina, ESPN

It seems like every year we forget about how much of a push the Houston Astros make in the second half. They looked like a completely clueless team at the end of May, when the Astros were 20-29 and 9½ games back in the NL Central. They were completely off everyone's radar. We should have known a run was coming, given that Houston's average record after the break in the past five seasons is 42-31. And the run has come -- the Astros have trimmed that 9½-game deficit all the way down to one game. This team doesn't stop battling, yet it hasn't played in October since its 2005 World Series run.

You look at the NL Central this year and certainly no one is running away with it. The Cubs, despite putting an end to the Phillies' 10-game winning streak with a win Wednesday, haven't been nearly the same team they were a year ago. The Cardinals haven't been able to create any real separation from the rest of the pack. The Astros have fought their way to a 49-46 record and are now legitimate contenders. It all starts with their ace, Roy Oswalt.

In his career, Oswalt has been impressive in the second half, posting a 68-20 record after the All-Star break. He's a hard thrower with great durability, a guy built to keep you in games. And that's exactly what he did Wednesday, locking in a duel with St. Louis' Chris Carpenter. He kept the Astros in the game, and Houston came to post a 4-3 win. Sure, Oswalt got a no-decision, but he kept his team within striking distance, and when you have that type of guy to anchor your rotation, the chances of winning every five days are tremendous.

Wandy Rodriguez gives you that shot, as well. He's 10-6 with a 2.72 ERA and has added yet another dimension to this ballclub's rotation.

The Astros have an advantage over the other teams competing in that division; they have a prolific leadoff man. Michael Bourn, who came to Houston in the Brad Lidge trade, quickly is becoming one of the game's most enticing players. He has a .354 OBP and is leading the National League in stolen bases (35) and triples (8). His presence on the bases gives RBI men Miguel Tejada, Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman chances to put up big offensive numbers. We've seen guys such as Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins bring a jolt to teams; it's without question that Bourn can do the same for Houston.

We've seen the Killer B's in Houston, but imagine if they had Killer Roys in the front of their rotation? If Drayton McLane and Ed Wade are looking for a boost, they need to involve themselves in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. Having the righty Roys pitch on back-to-back days will guarantee you at least one win, if not two. Add in Rodriguez and Brian Moehler, and things are looking pretty good. Houston does have a history of trading for an ace at the deadline. Randy Johnson was brought in as a rental in 1998. Even if a team such as the Phillies lands Halladay, there is always a chance to get into talks with the Indians for Cliff Lee. If McLane is willing to take the chance on either guy, it certainly would be worth it.

Unless the Astros can make a trade, their chances for October are slim. They will continue to push along like they always do. Their middle-of-the-order hitters (Berkman, Lee, Tejada) are among the best in baseball. Then you add in veterans such as Ivan Rodriguez and Darin Erstad, and scrappy youngsters Hunter Pence and Bourn, and this team was bound to get hot any minute.

[ATRAIN]

I dont see how we could even put ourselves in the Running for Halladay, we dont have anything to offer.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I dont see how we could even put ourselves in the Running for Halladay, we dont have anything to offer.

Hopefully they won't give up any of the kids from the farm system. They have made the mistake before, giving up a bunch of young guys for players that only stick around a year or two.

[weebo]

Its nice to see this team is playing well, but let's be honest. The Stros aren't going anywhere this year. Its just another cock tease of a season.

[ATRAIN]

Its nice to see this team is playing well, but let's be honest. The Stros aren't going anywhere this year. Its just another cock tease of a season.

Just like your mom Weebo

[Dr. Gonzo]

Its nice to see this team is playing well, but let's be honest. The Stros aren't going anywhere this year. Its just another cock tease of a season.

I agree.

[turiaf for president]

stros always play strong in the 2nd half. they cost me a win as i had carpenter starting for my fantasy team lol. but tejada and lee are sick

[weebo]

Just like your mom Weebo

my mom teases but yours puts out.:lol

[IronMexican]

Fucking balls. Holiday is a Cardinal. Dodgers are more than likely going to play them if the Cards make it. I am really rooting fro the 'Stros now.

[Dr. Gonzo]

The Cards were winning the division no matter what. I really don't think the Astros have what it takes to keep up this streak of good ball.

[manufan10]

I can only hope that the Astros can keep it up.. beat the Mets 5-4, but then who isn't beating the Mets these days. :lol

[Mister Sinister]

:lol Mike Hampton for the win.

[weebo]

back to reality peoples...

[Dr. Gonzo]

Oswalt is out, Hawkins is out. :pctoss

[EricB]

Nice little 12-0 ass whopping at the hands of the Cubbies there...

[PaulGreco]

It was all over for them when they lost 2 out of 3 to the Correction "METS"...

SELL, SELL, SELL

Miggy, IROD are all free-agents at the end of the season...stock pile the mminors

--PG
BaseballDigest

[EricB]

losing 2 out of 3 to your own team is something of note no question :)

[EricB]

Russ Ortiz after today's gem has been unconditionally released.

[weebo]

time to get rid of all the trash

[leemajors]

quick release

[Dr. Gonzo]

Russ Ortiz after today's gem has been unconditionally released.

It's about time. He has sucked it up for way too long.

[crc21209]

The Stros' do the same damn thing every year...suck ass for the first half of the season, then turn it on and go on a bit of a streak, lose a little momentum and games, then go on another streak only to be too little too late to make the playoffs.

[Dr. Gonzo]

The real Astros are back baby!!

[PaulGreco]

Here's the latest from Astros camp. Just got off the phone with the front office and news on Roy Oswalt is not good. He threw from a flat mound and said he felt only 20-30%. He is currently scheduled to pitch Tuesday and that was pushed back from his original start which was suppose to be tomorrow. If you already didn't know, he had a shot in his lower back for soreness.

NOW Wandy Rodriguez could be out for awhile after he exited with a strained right hamstring, which he hurt running to first on a fielder’s choice bunt in the top of the fifth inning.

When it rains it pours I guess. My source also told me that they are now second guessing whether or not they should have dump the following 2010 free agents : IROD and Miggy.

If the wheels keep following off like they are for the Astros, it could make for a long-hot August.

Paul Greco
--BaseballDigest

[EricB]

Miggy could be moved now, his contract would pass through waivers.