The Official 2008 "Let's Go 'Stros" Thread.
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w00t!
Astros begin process of building a champion today
Cooper to try to blend old, new as camp unfolds
By BRIAN MCTAGGART
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
KISSIMMEE, FLA. — Astros general manager Ed Wade has played the role of mad scientist this offseason, taking the broken formula of the 89-loss Astros from 2007 and dramatically changing the mix.
He cast off many of the major pieces from last season, including Brad Lidge, Luke Scott, Chad Qualls, Adam Everett and Mike Lamb, and welcomed new faces in Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde, Kaz Matsui and Michael Bourn, among others.
Wade will pull the tarp off the new — and what he hopes is improved — Astros beginning today when pitchers and catchers hold their first workout of spring training at Osceola County Stadium.
"I'm just anxious to get started at this point," said Wade, who was hired Sept. 20 of last year. "Any time there's a lot of changes, you've got to at least pay attention to the chemistry aspect of it. I've seen it happen in other organizations where it's taken an extended period of time for a team to jell.
"I'm optimistic in our environment due to the fact we had the core nucleus in place at the end of September when I got here, and by and large, it's still in place when you start talking about (Brad) Ausmus, (Roy) Oswalt, (Carlos) Lee, (Lance) Berkman and a number of other guys who have been around the block and understand our environment here."
Astros owner Drayton McLane, who is expected to be in Florida on Sunday, said he has talked to most of the new players over the phone and likes the changes.
"I've been a baseball fan since I was a young kid, and I've never seen a baseball team change as dramatically," he said. "There probably have been some that have made as many changes, but not as many significant changes. That's going to be really fun."
This also is the first spring training as manager for Cecil Cooper, who went 15-16 last season after taking over for Phil Garner on Aug. 27. Cooper has appointed bench coach Jackie Moore as camp coordinator and is eager to put the team to work.
"We'll do some work just like we always do," Cooper said. "We'll get out and run through some rotations and get guys throwing some bullpens and things like that. There will be some stuff going on, man. We're going to get after it."
Wade will address the players at some point and said he will tell them to prepare for 181 games instead of 162, expecting the Astros to play deep into the playoffs and the World Series.
He wants to stress how important spring training is in helping the team get off to a good start in the regular season, which it hasn't done in recent years.
"You can't get off to a six-win April and expect to be knee-deep where you want to be in September," Wade said. "I know Coop and the staff will be very prepared, and we'll work as diligently as we can to make sure the players are focused and understand what spring has to be for us."
With Bourn being an exception, many of the players Wade brought in are veterans: Tejada, Matsui, Valverde, Geoff Blum, Geoff Geary and Doug Brocail. That wasn't an accident, Wade said.
"The transition and the sort of jelling that has to take place should work well here," Wade said. "But until you get everybody in the same room and operating on the same page, it's still just a mystery."
The Astros will have 52 players in camp. The eight position starting spots are set, there is one bench spot available, and the bullpen is pretty much settled, but the competition for the starting rotation will be among the keys.
The race for jobs begins today, when the new-look Astros hit the field.
"Certainly toward the end, you have to make some difficult roster decisions, and that's not the most fun in the world," Wade said. "But at the same time, it's all designed toward getting to the point you've got a team you can take out there and win a championship."
brian.mctaggart@chron.com
Link
Astros begin process of building a champion today
Cooper to try to blend old, new as camp unfolds
By BRIAN MCTAGGART
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
KISSIMMEE, FLA. — Astros general manager Ed Wade has played the role of mad scientist this offseason, taking the broken formula of the 89-loss Astros from 2007 and dramatically changing the mix.
He cast off many of the major pieces from last season, including Brad Lidge, Luke Scott, Chad Qualls, Adam Everett and Mike Lamb, and welcomed new faces in Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde, Kaz Matsui and Michael Bourn, among others.
Wade will pull the tarp off the new — and what he hopes is improved — Astros beginning today when pitchers and catchers hold their first workout of spring training at Osceola County Stadium.
"I'm just anxious to get started at this point," said Wade, who was hired Sept. 20 of last year. "Any time there's a lot of changes, you've got to at least pay attention to the chemistry aspect of it. I've seen it happen in other organizations where it's taken an extended period of time for a team to jell.
"I'm optimistic in our environment due to the fact we had the core nucleus in place at the end of September when I got here, and by and large, it's still in place when you start talking about (Brad) Ausmus, (Roy) Oswalt, (Carlos) Lee, (Lance) Berkman and a number of other guys who have been around the block and understand our environment here."
Astros owner Drayton McLane, who is expected to be in Florida on Sunday, said he has talked to most of the new players over the phone and likes the changes.
"I've been a baseball fan since I was a young kid, and I've never seen a baseball team change as dramatically," he said. "There probably have been some that have made as many changes, but not as many significant changes. That's going to be really fun."
This also is the first spring training as manager for Cecil Cooper, who went 15-16 last season after taking over for Phil Garner on Aug. 27. Cooper has appointed bench coach Jackie Moore as camp coordinator and is eager to put the team to work.
"We'll do some work just like we always do," Cooper said. "We'll get out and run through some rotations and get guys throwing some bullpens and things like that. There will be some stuff going on, man. We're going to get after it."
Wade will address the players at some point and said he will tell them to prepare for 181 games instead of 162, expecting the Astros to play deep into the playoffs and the World Series.
He wants to stress how important spring training is in helping the team get off to a good start in the regular season, which it hasn't done in recent years.
"You can't get off to a six-win April and expect to be knee-deep where you want to be in September," Wade said. "I know Coop and the staff will be very prepared, and we'll work as diligently as we can to make sure the players are focused and understand what spring has to be for us."
With Bourn being an exception, many of the players Wade brought in are veterans: Tejada, Matsui, Valverde, Geoff Blum, Geoff Geary and Doug Brocail. That wasn't an accident, Wade said.
"The transition and the sort of jelling that has to take place should work well here," Wade said. "But until you get everybody in the same room and operating on the same page, it's still just a mystery."
The Astros will have 52 players in camp. The eight position starting spots are set, there is one bench spot available, and the bullpen is pretty much settled, but the competition for the starting rotation will be among the keys.
The race for jobs begins today, when the new-look Astros hit the field.
"Certainly toward the end, you have to make some difficult roster decisions, and that's not the most fun in the world," Wade said. "But at the same time, it's all designed toward getting to the point you've got a team you can take out there and win a championship."
brian.mctaggart@chron.com
Link
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
0
Comments
: crossing fingers, hoping he falls to me at that pick :
Bourn quick to make first impression
By RICHARD JUSTICE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — When Michael Bourn is asked if he grew up rooting for the Astros, he shrugs and smiles.
''I think I went to a couple of games in the Dome," he said.
How about the Rockets?
"That was my team," he said, smiling and adding Hakeem Olajuwon was his man.
I wanted to ask if he thought Tracy McGrady would choke again in the playoffs, but it was a beautiful day, and Bourn was in such a good mood that it didn't seem right to spoil the moment.
He'd already ruined my day by crushing the easy column angle. Bourn did not grow up hoping for a chance to play for his hometown baseball team.
That angle has been worn out over the years anyway. That's also true of the cliché general manager Ed Wade used when asked about Bourn.
"You know the old saying," Wade said. "Speed never goes into a slump."
I didn't have the heart to confess I'd never heard that. I do confess to loving Bourn and the trade that brought him to the Astros last fall.
Calculated risk
Wade made one of those high-risk, high-reward swaps that either will blow up in his face or become a key component in the reconstruction of this baseball team.
Bourn could be a star. Or a bust. There may not be an in-between. He has dazzling speed, the kind that can impact a game on the bases and in center field. If Wade is right about him, Bourn could become a dynamic presence at the top of the lineup for years to come.
Wade was GM of the Phillies when they made Bourn the 115th pick of the 2003 draft, and he acquired him last fall in a five-player deal that sent Brad Lidge to the Phillies.
Wade was criticized around the country by people who believed he could have gotten more for Lidge. What the criticism missed is that Wade believed in Bourn. If Bourn can play, nothing else matters.
At a time when so few general managers have the guts to take a chance, Wade took several of them. Good for him.
After years of being too cautious, the Astros have a general manager willing to take some chances. There's just one teensy weensy negative regarding Bourn, and it's such a small thing I probably shouldn't even bring it up.
He hasn't played much. Hardly any, in fact. He has had just 125 big league at-bats, which is the equivalent of six weeks for everyday players.
He hit .300 just one year in the minor leagues and had a cup of coffee at Class AAA before being fast-tracked to the Phillies. In other words, Wade made the trade because his scouts love Bourn and because he believes in him.
Speed to burn
"He's a line-drive hitter. He'll hit the ball in the gaps," Wade said. "He's got the baseball version of world-class speed. He not only has raw speed, he has base-stealing instincts. That's a good combination."
Bourn stole 18 bases in just 119 at-bats last season and has 164 in 397 career minor league games. He says speed will be an even more important part of his arsenal as he learns big league pitchers and refines his game.
"It's a big part of my game, especially until I become a real good hitter and handle the bat the way I want to," Bourn said.
The Astros haven't utilized speed much in recent years — OK, other than Willy Taveras — but with Bourn and Kaz Matsui at the top of the order, Cecil Cooper has a chance to have a team that will force the action.
Speed isn't just about stealing bases. It's about creating energy and tempo and making it clear you aren't going to wait for a three-run homer.
"You force the other team to make plays," Cooper said. "Aggressive baserunning sets a tone."
Bourn was about to play NBA Live at a friend's house in Houston when he got the call that he'd been traded. He was happy to be coming home but more thrilled to know he'd get a chance to prove himself as an everyday player.
He spent the winter splitting workouts between Minute Maid Park and a complex in Arizona. He showed up at spring training one day after pitchers and catchers and sent a message that he is going to take advantage of his opportunity.
"I don't think it has really hit me yet," he said. "Hopefully, the best will come out of it."
Listen to Richard Justice weekdays from 10 a.m.-noon on 1560 AM.
richard.justice@chron.com
Link
Thank goodness he's okay and will only be out a week. Since he's young, will be back on his feet in no time.
http://sportsfansnews.com/author/andy-fischer/
Hopefully he becomes a starter, since we desperately need to fill some holes in the rotation.
Link
Dear Astros Fan:
Congratulations! You have been selected for the opportunity to purchase tickets to the New York Yankees series and the Boston Red Sox series at Minute Maid Park this June. We have taken extensive measures to ensure that as many different fans as possible have the opportunity to purchase these highly sought-after tickets. Please read the entire email carefully to avoid any confusion.
This first-come, first-served opportunity begins Wednesday, February 27th at 9 a.m. CT and ends at 6 p.m. CT. To take advantage of this offer, you will need to enter a password. This password will be emailed to you Wednesday morning.
The email address information you enter during the ordering process MUST MATCH THE E-MAIL ADDRESS USED WHEN YOU REGISTERED. Orders with non-matching email addresses will be cancelled.
There is a FOUR ticket limit for the New York Yankees Series (June 13, 14 and 15) and a FOUR ticket limit for the Boston Red Sox Series (June 27, 28 and 29) and all sales are final. Your password will be valid for the purchase of four tickets to the Yankees series and four tickets to the Red Sox series based on availability. Since this is a first-come, first-served sale, you may experience a virtual waiting room after logging in. Ticket purchases that exceed posted ticket limits will be cancelled.
Thanks for participating. We look forward to seeing you at Minute Maid Park! All dates and times are subject to change.
<< <i>Thats cool Barry, which series will go with? The Yanks or the Sox? >>
Both
I get the option of 4 tickets for each series.
For the Yankees, will probably get 2 tickets for 2 games. However for the Sox, I've already made a promise to someone and will get 4 tickets to one of the games.
And then, will get at least another ticket or two from our split season ticket seats.
+1 for being a home town fan.
Link
Congrats on the Sox and Yanks tickets. I understand those were tough to come by. Hopefully the pitching comes though this year. If it does, I think 90 wins is possible. If not, yikes.
At least PooPooRa is gone.
Chacon is having an excellent Spring and probably make the rotation as our 3rd starter.
We finally scored a run!
PS - Bourn is a stud.
The 'Stros have scored 3 runs!!
Yes, 3 runs!
w00t!
And it's only in the top of the 4th!!
Congrats to me!
And they scored an impressive NINE runs!
w00t!
http://sportsfansnews.com/author/andy-fischer/
Of the pitchers:
Jack Cassell should have made the roster but the coaches wanted him to get more experience. Nieve was in the bigs but had some control problems. Thought McLemore was going to make it, since Wandy is our only lefty but guess they want him to get more seasoning.
Fielders:
Lance Niekro, Joe's son, showed a lot of promise in ST. JR House is a pretty good prospect but with Towles, he aint coming up any time soon. Mark Saccosomething is a local kid and Abrecombie&Finch
Even has a couple of stolen bases.
http://sportsfansnews.com/author/andy-fischer/
2-run shot in the bottom of the 9th to win the game.
<< <i>Welcome to Houston, Miggy!
2-run shot in the bottom of the 9th to win the game.
Ahhhh shyut up!
Shane
Shane
<< <i>Go create your own thread, bandwagoner.
Bandwagoner? I am just a very subjective sports fan who was congratulating a player getting a hit. The signature picture below is just a random picture of a baseball player in the middle of his swing. There should be no assumptions made in regards to my affiliation with a certain team.
Shane
Shane
Two in a row!
w00t!
Valverde needs to stop acting like Lidge.
Sincerely,
Geoff Lightning Jenkins
<< <i>Phillies unstoppable. Burrell owns you all. We don't need no stinking third base coach.
Sincerely,
Geoff Lightning Jenkins >>
Oh really?
Sincerely,
Michael Bourn's Home Run
PS - You're still a welcher.
And another come from behind victory for the good guys.
The Big Puma is on fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Oh yeah and I'm going to the game tonight too.
Roy knocks in two, Puma hits one out, Bourn makes an excellent throw for a game saving assist, and Carlos wins the game in the bottom of the 9th.
Good times.
Good times.
Berkman looked like he injured himself sliding home but hopefully he was pulled as a precautionary deal.
Did you happen to see Bourn's game saving catch last night?
Oh, that's right, we are mearly an after thought on ESPN, so you wouldn't have seen it.
Link to video
<< <i>Oh, that's right, we are mearly an after thought on ESPN, so you wouldn't have seen it. >>
Case in point..
We lost 89 games last year, projected to be last, and laughed at for overhauling our entire roster.
Puma is pretty much leading the NL & MLB in every stat, our starting pitching has been pretty admireable, have gone 16-5 in our last 21, and only 1.5 games out from having the best record in MLB.
Pretty impressive, right?
If a tree falls in the woods and noone is around (except for fellow hometown trees
Link
<< <i>That's Debatable: Chat w/Jerry Crasnick
Welcome to The Show! On Monday, ESPN.com MLB writer Jerry Crasnick will drop by at 1 p.m. ET for another installment of "That's Debatable," a weekly feature in which we break down a hot topic you have suggested.
Monday's topic, courtesy of Kyle from Medford:
"A month into the season, who do you think the best team in the NL Central is? Cardinals, Cubs, or Brewers?"
Good question, Kyle. As of this moment, the Cardinals have lots of reasons to feel good about themselves. They just took two of three games from Chicago, and they're sporting the second best record in the major leagues at 20-12.
But for purposes of today's chat, we're going to look past the momentary divisional snapshot and assess which team is most likely to win the division.
THE CASE FOR ST. LOUIS
Those spring training concerns about Albert Pujols's elbow certainly have eased. He ranks among the National League leaders in a slew of offensive categories, and he's playing like a man on a mission. Tony La Russa has the Cardinals playing with a lot of energy, and pitching coach Dave Duncan's staff ranks fourth in the major leagues with a 3.53 ERA. Mark Mulder's 30-day rehab assignment runs out May 14, so there could be more help on the way.
THE CASE FOR CHICAGO
Behind the 1-2 punch of Derrek Lee and Kosuke Fu k udome, the Cubs lead the majors in runs scored. They're also first in team on-base percentage at .373 -- a significant improvement over last year, when their .333 OBP was 18th in the big leagues. The Cubs are 18-13 even though Rich Hill has been demoted to Triple-A Iowa, Ted Lilly has a 5.97 ERA and a fresh round of panic sets in every time Kerry Wood blows a save. Manager Lou Piniella coaxed this team through a lot worse on the way to a division title last season.
THE CASE FOR MILWAUKEE
The Brewers are 16-15 despite a turbulent opening month. They've lost Yovanni Gallardo to a season-ending knee injury, released Derrick Turnbow, held their breath on Ben Sheets, grimaced over several Eric Gagne outings and watched Prince Fielder go more than two weeks before hitting his first home run. And yet, they're 16-15 and only 3 1/2 games behind St. Louis in the Central. The return of center fielder Mike Cameron should help tighten up the defense, and the offense is bound to pick up as the weather gets warmer.
THE VERDICTAs scrappy as the Cardinals have been, it'll take more than 32 games to convince us they're for real. And Milwaukee has too many pitching issues to overcome. That leaves the Cubbies. We picked them to win the division in spring training, and we still think they'll be the last team standing. >>
Guess not.
Down 6 early on and Puma hits the game winner into McCovey cove!
Great article by RJ:
Link
May 21, 2008, 1:07AM
COMMENTARY
Pence's youthful enthusiasm part of wonderful package
By RICHARD JUSTICE
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Someday soon, maybe next month or next season, we're going to find out Hunter Pence isn't real.
Is there any other explanation? No one can be this good this soon. No one can be this perfect.
If your classroom assignment was to design the perfect young baseball player, he might be what you'd come up with.
He has power and speed and smarts. He has energy, passion and a relentless work ethic. He's one of those people absolutely determined to be great.
He's also blessed with a great smile, an engaging personality and a large dose of humility. In a rearranged clubhouse, he's liked and admired by almost everyone.
It might be that youthful enthusiasm. When he bounced off the wall in Arlington last weekend with a big-time catch, he popped up and sprinted back to the dugout with a huge smile.
That smile spoke volumes about the Astros outfielder and the fun this baseball team has had in these first 47 games. When Pence got to the dugout, Carlos Lee laughingly told him to calm down.
"Maybe I overdid it,'' Pence said later.
Maybe he didn't. Maybe he's exactly what this team of such uncertain expectations needed.
Anyway, he began to poke fun at himself as he made his way down the dugout yelling and laughing. Lance Berkman got a handshake, Mark Loretta a bearhug. Let the good times roll.
He also dates beautiful women. Or one beautiful woman. Whatever. Let's just say it's a great year to be Hunter Pence. Personally, if you've seen one swimsuit model, you've seen 'em all.
When manager Cecil Cooper batted Pence leadoff two games last weekend, he talked about the different spots Pence could hit and where he might end up.
"He could be productive anywhere,'' Cooper said, "but he's eventually going to be the guy that hits third and anchors a lineup. That's how good he is.''
Pence has been overshadowed at times this season by Lance Berkman and Miguel Tejada, but Tuesday night, we were again reminded that this 25-year-old kid with 152 big league games under his belt is special.
His fourth-inning grand slam erased a two-run deficit and got the Astros started on a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. He also doubled and singled to raise his batting average to .293.
As hot as May weather
In 17 games this month, Pence is hitting .358 with four home runs and 17 RBIs. All of a sudden, that slow start seems like an illusion.
"It felt pretty amazing, as you can imagine,'' he said of the grand slam. "It's an adrenaline rush.''
His career has been an adrenaline rush. He made the game look easy pretty much from the moment he was called up last season and hit .322 as a rookie.
He arrived in spring training this season and found he'd been assigned a locker next to Darin Erstad.
Pence told Erstad he'd grown up wanting to be just like him, that he loved the way he ran down balls in the outfield, crashed into walls and played with unbridled joy.
They've been almost inseparable since. They hit together before games, and along the way, Pence peppers Erstad with questions. When do you get to the park? What time do you eat? How did you approach that last at-bat?
"I think it's good for Hunter to see that someone can be as intense as he is,'' Astros hitting coach Sean Berry said. "They both work their tails off, and they've just kind of meshed. They've both got some serious intensity.''
Erstad is still seriously intense in his 13th season. He's 33, a two-time All-Star and someone who is a role model in almost every sense of the word.
"One of the best things he told me came after I told him watching him play the outfield was amazing,'' Pence said. "He's just so smooth. He said, `A lot of people take that part of the game for granted. Anything you can do to help your team win, you should focus on. Take pride in every little thing you do.' ''
When Pence slumped early in the season, Erstad told him: "You're going to be just fine, kid. Just keep going. Be athletic. You're an athlete. Be athletic.''
Erstad smiles when asked about Pence.
"He said he enjoyed watching me play when he was in grade school,'' he said. "That made me feel pretty old. We're eerily similar. The only difference is he's bigger, faster and stronger than I was at that time.''
Getting chemistry just right
Erstad said he was lucky to have veteran guys to guide him through his early days in the big leagues, and that's what he hopes to be for Pence.
This is how good teams are constructed. It happens when a general manager combines talent and character, youth and experience. It's fascinating to watch the chemistry develop.
The Astros liked the idea of signing Erstad, in part, because of the influence he might have on the kids. At this point, it could haven't worked out better.
Pence might be headed for greatness regardless of who had the locker beside him. But in a season when a lot of things have gone right, this is one more.
Listen to Richard Justice weekdays from 10 a.m.-noon on 1560 AM. richard.justice@chron.com
Lee just hit the carp out of the ball to take the lead 4-3.
Takes a liner off his cheek (which thankfully glanced off his glove), hit the ground, and then 3 minutes later, gets up and finishes the game.
Video
Freaking nails!
Hunter hits two out and we win.