I'm still wrapped up in NHL and NBA playoffs and just now starting to get up to speed.
I look away for a moment and what happens? The Astros not only are on a winning streak but they swept the Pittsburgh Pirates at home.
Making matters worse is the fact they are no longer laughing stocks. Baltimore can claim that title with just three wins. The Astros now have 8 wins and are tied with several teams with that number.
Maybe the tornado that shook up Roy Oswalt's home rattled the team. Seriously, I'm glad Oswalt's family is safe. Now the Astros can please get back to losing?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Astros Avoid the Sweep!
To distracted by NHL playoffs and NFL draft to notice any Astros news until I now. Just checked the score. Way to go guys! Keep up the bad work!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What Is Wrong With The Team?
The cliche is winning breeds winning and losing breeds losing. The Astros are seriously off track and breeding out of their class.
If they keep this winning streaks going, records of futility will be out of reach.
Games like the 5-4 come from behind victory of the Florida Marlins will bring all hopes of reaching the depths of league history to an end. The Astros had the loss in hand and were cruising a long to another defeat. The game appeared well in hand. Then a collapse ensued.
A series of events in the 7th inning propelled the Astros to victory. Geoff Blum finished off what started in front of him (an infield hit, a wild pitch and a swinging bunt) with a triple and gave the Astros the despicable win.
There may be plenty of blame to pass out for the victory but none should be laid at the feet of starting pitcher Bud Norris. Norris gave up a 4 run 5th inning and built what seemed an insurmountable lead. Instead the bullpen caved in and couldn't hold the loss.
The win extends the Astros winning streak to 4 and raises the overall record to 5-9.
The wheels are starting to spin out of control.
If they keep this winning streaks going, records of futility will be out of reach.
Games like the 5-4 come from behind victory of the Florida Marlins will bring all hopes of reaching the depths of league history to an end. The Astros had the loss in hand and were cruising a long to another defeat. The game appeared well in hand. Then a collapse ensued.
A series of events in the 7th inning propelled the Astros to victory. Geoff Blum finished off what started in front of him (an infield hit, a wild pitch and a swinging bunt) with a triple and gave the Astros the despicable win.
There may be plenty of blame to pass out for the victory but none should be laid at the feet of starting pitcher Bud Norris. Norris gave up a 4 run 5th inning and built what seemed an insurmountable lead. Instead the bullpen caved in and couldn't hold the loss.
The win extends the Astros winning streak to 4 and raises the overall record to 5-9.
The wheels are starting to spin out of control.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Uh boy, 2 out of 3 Wins! Not Good!
The problem with playing losers like the Cubs is that they lose. Normally that's a good thing. For the Astros it's a bad thing. Loser Cubs impede progress. The Astros team goal is to lose as many games as possible. Beating the Scrubs two out of three and putting a two game winning steak is the wrong approach.
As always I look for the positive. Even in victory, there is always something to build on. For starters the run production is still abysmal. Other than the torrential run scoring in the Cardinals finale, the 'stros are still struggling at the plate. In three games the Astros scored 2, 4 and 3 runs. Any other team and that would probably equate into more Astros losses.
Fortunately I believe the pitching won't hold up. This pitching staff won't hold many teams under 4 runs. In the future I look for worse outings from the pitchers.
While victory brings despair, I have low hopes that the march toward futility will continue this season.
Go 'stros! Bring on the Marlins!
As always I look for the positive. Even in victory, there is always something to build on. For starters the run production is still abysmal. Other than the torrential run scoring in the Cardinals finale, the 'stros are still struggling at the plate. In three games the Astros scored 2, 4 and 3 runs. Any other team and that would probably equate into more Astros losses.
Fortunately I believe the pitching won't hold up. This pitching staff won't hold many teams under 4 runs. In the future I look for worse outings from the pitchers.
While victory brings despair, I have low hopes that the march toward futility will continue this season.
Go 'stros! Bring on the Marlins!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Just When You Thought It Was Safe
The Astros win. Again. Sigh!
I worked today so I didn't get to witness today's debacle.
The Astros blew a chance to right a wrong and construct a new losing streak. For shame, they are winners in 2 of last 3 games.
The Astros need to take a few lessons from the fellows across the field. Some refer to the Cubs as "lovable losers." I prefer just "losers." What's so lovable about losing? The Cubs are a lesson in futility.
Learn your lessons well and study history, Astros. The dream of perfection is over but the dream of futility is still alive.
On the Astros locker room entrance the sign reads:
I worked today so I didn't get to witness today's debacle.
The Astros blew a chance to right a wrong and construct a new losing streak. For shame, they are winners in 2 of last 3 games.
The Astros need to take a few lessons from the fellows across the field. Some refer to the Cubs as "lovable losers." I prefer just "losers." What's so lovable about losing? The Cubs are a lesson in futility.
Learn your lessons well and study history, Astros. The dream of perfection is over but the dream of futility is still alive.
On the Astros locker room entrance the sign reads:
Quest for PerfectionFutility!
0-162!
1-161!
2-160!
2-160!
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Start of a New Streak
Apparently I was worried about nothing. The Astros shook off the one blemish on their record and preceded to start a new losing streak.
Plus they got the new streak off in striking in an exciting way. For a while they had me worried that they would embark on a winning streak. They took a 2-1 lead into the 7th inning. Pitcher Felipe Paulino then decided to put the game away. Paulino allowed two doubles to lead off the 7th allowing the Cubs to tie the game. Feeling not enough damage was done, Paulino then walked the next two batter and loaded up the bases. Setting up the game winner for the Cubs, Paulino was pulled and reliever Tim Byrdak entered. Not wanting to let Paulino or the team down, Byrdak sealed the Astros fate by giving up a 3 run homer to give the Cubs the lead for good and a 7-2 win.
After a 5 run outburst yesterday, the Astros returned to a tried and true method of losing - don't score many runs. For the 7th time in 11 games, the team failed to score more than 2 runs. While they can score a lot of runs and give up a lot more to lose that would be playing with fire. Better to keep the scoring to a minimum.
One good thing lesson to learn from this game. Despite the late lead, the Astros didn't panic. They found a way to loss the game and their confidence.
Let's keep get a nice long losing streak going 'stros! 1-161 is the new goal.
In closing I have one announcement. On Monday I'll give the details but I'm going to start a campaign that I hope will spare us watching to many prolonged Astros games.
Go 'stros! Break the losing records!
Plus they got the new streak off in striking in an exciting way. For a while they had me worried that they would embark on a winning streak. They took a 2-1 lead into the 7th inning. Pitcher Felipe Paulino then decided to put the game away. Paulino allowed two doubles to lead off the 7th allowing the Cubs to tie the game. Feeling not enough damage was done, Paulino then walked the next two batter and loaded up the bases. Setting up the game winner for the Cubs, Paulino was pulled and reliever Tim Byrdak entered. Not wanting to let Paulino or the team down, Byrdak sealed the Astros fate by giving up a 3 run homer to give the Cubs the lead for good and a 7-2 win.
After a 5 run outburst yesterday, the Astros returned to a tried and true method of losing - don't score many runs. For the 7th time in 11 games, the team failed to score more than 2 runs. While they can score a lot of runs and give up a lot more to lose that would be playing with fire. Better to keep the scoring to a minimum.
One good thing lesson to learn from this game. Despite the late lead, the Astros didn't panic. They found a way to loss the game and their confidence.
Let's keep get a nice long losing streak going 'stros! 1-161 is the new goal.
In closing I have one announcement. On Monday I'll give the details but I'm going to start a campaign that I hope will spare us watching to many prolonged Astros games.
Go 'stros! Break the losing records!
Picking Up the Pieces
After yesterday's stunning win, the Astros look to pick up the pieces and put together a new steak of historic proportions.
The team will try to focus on the Cubs and no look off into the future. I suspect that is what happened in St. Louis. The excitement of tying a franchise record proved to much and they buckled under the pressure.
The monkey is off their backs and the slate is clean. When a new record for ineptitude rears it's head the Astros need to shake it off and just concentrate on losing the game.
Today's game looks promising for a loss. The Astros send Felipe Paulino and his 7.20 ERA to the mound. The Cubs start Carlos Silva and a minuscule 1.50 ERA. Also Cubs 1st baseman Derek Lee hits well against the Astros. In the last eight games versus the Astros, Lee has belted four homers, three doubles, four RBIs while sporting a .407 batting average.
Things are looking bright for a new streak and possible new records. 1-161 is the new goal!
The team will try to focus on the Cubs and no look off into the future. I suspect that is what happened in St. Louis. The excitement of tying a franchise record proved to much and they buckled under the pressure.
The monkey is off their backs and the slate is clean. When a new record for ineptitude rears it's head the Astros need to shake it off and just concentrate on losing the game.
Today's game looks promising for a loss. The Astros send Felipe Paulino and his 7.20 ERA to the mound. The Cubs start Carlos Silva and a minuscule 1.50 ERA. Also Cubs 1st baseman Derek Lee hits well against the Astros. In the last eight games versus the Astros, Lee has belted four homers, three doubles, four RBIs while sporting a .407 batting average.
Things are looking bright for a new streak and possible new records. 1-161 is the new goal!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
1-8! The Dream of Perfection Died Today
In a stunning turn of events, the Houston Astros beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1. This heartbreaking loss gave the team some unneeded confidence heading into tomorrow's game against the laughable loser Chicago Cubs.
The Quest for Perfection! 0-162! is over. The Astros failed to match the 1983 Astros for worst start at 0-9. Not only were they looking to tie the record but also looking forward to setting a new record at 0-10.
The Astros took an early 2-0 lead. Houston outfielder Carlos Lee tried to let the Cards back into the game when he dropped a two out fly ball. Unfortunately the Cardinals were unable to capitalize on the golden opportunity and managed only one run from the error.
A series of events conspired to bring the dream to an end. First the Astros uncharacteristically jumped out to a 2-0 lead and held it. They dug an even deeper hole when they scored three more runs in the 8th inning. Adding insult to injury, starting pitcher Bud Norris struck out nine Cardinals and allowed only an unearned run. Despite Lee's heroics in dropping the fly ball, the team moves to a disappointing 1-8 record.
The Astros can take heart that this is a long season and several records are attainable. I can't find an official team losing streak. The longest one I find is a ten game losing streak. The Astros can gun for that. They can also gun for longest streak of 24 set by the Cleveland Spiders (more about the Spiders in a future blog). The modern record (from 1900 on) is 23 games lost by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961.
As the season progress, more record breaking attempts will become evident. So Astros fans, enjoy. While the dream of a perfect season is over, the dream of a record setting season is still within reach.
The Quest for Perfection! 0-162! is over. The Astros failed to match the 1983 Astros for worst start at 0-9. Not only were they looking to tie the record but also looking forward to setting a new record at 0-10.
The Astros took an early 2-0 lead. Houston outfielder Carlos Lee tried to let the Cards back into the game when he dropped a two out fly ball. Unfortunately the Cardinals were unable to capitalize on the golden opportunity and managed only one run from the error.
A series of events conspired to bring the dream to an end. First the Astros uncharacteristically jumped out to a 2-0 lead and held it. They dug an even deeper hole when they scored three more runs in the 8th inning. Adding insult to injury, starting pitcher Bud Norris struck out nine Cardinals and allowed only an unearned run. Despite Lee's heroics in dropping the fly ball, the team moves to a disappointing 1-8 record.
The Astros can take heart that this is a long season and several records are attainable. I can't find an official team losing streak. The longest one I find is a ten game losing streak. The Astros can gun for that. They can also gun for longest streak of 24 set by the Cleveland Spiders (more about the Spiders in a future blog). The modern record (from 1900 on) is 23 games lost by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961.
As the season progress, more record breaking attempts will become evident. So Astros fans, enjoy. While the dream of a perfect season is over, the dream of a record setting season is still within reach.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
0-8!
The Astros scared me a few times. The first close call was going ahead 1-0 in the 1st inning. They managed to immediately right the ship. In order to keep the streak going, they allowed the Cardinals to take 2-1 lead in their first at bat.
The Astros came close to tying things but ended up salvaging the game. More details to come.
In an interesting note, manager Brad Mills held an optional work out today instead of the usual mandatory one. The players appreciated the break as it allowed them to concentrate on everything but the game of baseball.
The loss drops the Astros t0 0-8 and one game short of tying the franchise record of 9 straight losses to open a season. In a long 162 game season the team needs to take incremental steps toward perfection. Instead of looking down the road at the remaining 154 games, the 'stros will focus on near term goals. Within sight is tying the franchise record and after that they can focus on setting the team record at 0-10. After team records, they can start thinking about league records.
One step at a time and one loss at a time and before you know it the season will be over...Go 'stros!
The Astros came close to tying things but ended up salvaging the game. More details to come.
In an interesting note, manager Brad Mills held an optional work out today instead of the usual mandatory one. The players appreciated the break as it allowed them to concentrate on everything but the game of baseball.
The loss drops the Astros t0 0-8 and one game short of tying the franchise record of 9 straight losses to open a season. In a long 162 game season the team needs to take incremental steps toward perfection. Instead of looking down the road at the remaining 154 games, the 'stros will focus on near term goals. Within sight is tying the franchise record and after that they can focus on setting the team record at 0-10. After team records, they can start thinking about league records.
One step at a time and one loss at a time and before you know it the season will be over...Go 'stros!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
After a Hiatus The Quest Continues
After a one day break, the DisAstros return to the field in pursuit of imperfection.
The first line in ESPN.com's Cardinals vs. Astros preview for tomorrow:
Brad Penny didn't get a win in his first start with the St. Louis Cardinals, but the veteran right-hander showed plenty of encouraging signs.
The Astros are sending Brett Myers to the mound to throw batting practice for Albert Pujols and company. If Penny's first start was encouraging then Myer's was discouraging. He gave up 4 runs on 12 hits in 6 innings for a stellar 6.00 ERA. I like ERAs in multiples of 3. I'm hoping Myers should go for the perfect baseball number of 9.
I noted a few things from the article.
A discouraging sign is Penny's record against the Astros. In five career starts, Penny has a 5.58 ERA with an 0-2 record. Also disturbing is Geoff Blum's .435 (10 for 23) batting average versus Penny.
What the Astros have going for them is they are averaging 1.86 runs a game. In addition, five Astros average less than a .200 batting.
Considering the match ups, overall team play and the opponent, I think the Astros Quest for Perfection! lives one more game.
Go 'stros! 0-162 one game at a time.
The first line in ESPN.com's Cardinals vs. Astros preview for tomorrow:
Brad Penny didn't get a win in his first start with the St. Louis Cardinals, but the veteran right-hander showed plenty of encouraging signs.
Brad Penny didn't get a win in his first start with the St. Louis Cardinals, but the veteran right-hander showed plenty of encouraging signs.Don't worry Penny. You face the Astros tomorrow. If you thought his first start is encouraging, wait for his second start.
The Astros are sending Brett Myers to the mound to throw batting practice for Albert Pujols and company. If Penny's first start was encouraging then Myer's was discouraging. He gave up 4 runs on 12 hits in 6 innings for a stellar 6.00 ERA. I like ERAs in multiples of 3. I'm hoping Myers should go for the perfect baseball number of 9.
I noted a few things from the article.
A discouraging sign is Penny's record against the Astros. In five career starts, Penny has a 5.58 ERA with an 0-2 record. Also disturbing is Geoff Blum's .435 (10 for 23) batting average versus Penny.
What the Astros have going for them is they are averaging 1.86 runs a game. In addition, five Astros average less than a .200 batting.
Considering the match ups, overall team play and the opponent, I think the Astros Quest for Perfection! lives one more game.
Go 'stros! 0-162 one game at a time.
0-162? Really?
Obviously the Astros are not going to lose every game. I might have jinxed this blog by proclaiming the Quest for Perfection! Odds are very long that it will happen.
I've done a little research and if the Astros do blow the Quest for Perfection! I have some low marks they cans still strive for.
But let's root opponents and pray they do all they can to give the Astros that perfect season.
It should be noted that the Astros are the only team still in contention for a unvictory season. After seven games, all the other teams have won at least one game.
Go 'stros!
I've done a little research and if the Astros do blow the Quest for Perfection! I have some low marks they cans still strive for.
But let's root opponents and pray they do all they can to give the Astros that perfect season.
It should be noted that the Astros are the only team still in contention for a unvictory season. After seven games, all the other teams have won at least one game.
Go 'stros!
Monday, April 12, 2010
0-7!
What can I say? I love perfection and the Astros are on the march for a perfect season.
The only way the season more perfect would for them to get no hit every game. That didn't happen.
So this is my on going chronicle of the Houston Astros 2010 season and the Quest for Perfection!
Today's fiasco was a 5-0 loss to the Red Birds of St. Louis.
Key Stats of the Game:
For the Cardinals it was Albert Pujols with 2 hits on 3 at bats with one walk, one homer and 4 RBIs.
For the Astros it was myhero favorite Astro ragged arm pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. Rodriguez gave up 4 earned runs over 4 1/3 innings while expanding his ERA to 6.10
Tomorrow's pitching match up: no one. They don't play the Cards until Wednesday. Fortunately that means the Quest for Perfection will stand intact for one more day.
Go 'stros! Just Don't Win!
The only way the season more perfect would for them to get no hit every game. That didn't happen.
So this is my on going chronicle of the Houston Astros 2010 season and the Quest for Perfection!
Today's fiasco was a 5-0 loss to the Red Birds of St. Louis.
Key Stats of the Game:
For the Cardinals it was Albert Pujols with 2 hits on 3 at bats with one walk, one homer and 4 RBIs.
For the Astros it was my
Tomorrow's pitching match up: no one. They don't play the Cards until Wednesday. Fortunately that means the Quest for Perfection will stand intact for one more day.
Go 'stros! Just Don't Win!
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