Gameday Thread, #124: 8/17 vs. Astros
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 12:00 PM EDT
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PrintArizona Diamondbacks at Houston Astros, Aug 17, 2008 2:05 PM EDT
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Having crushed the Astros in the first two games of the series, we already have the series in the bag, and have also wrapped up a winning road-trip with a 4-1 record so far. This morning, we go for the sweep, and though Oswalt has the most wins on the Houston roster, our offense has been all but unstoppable so far. This is not quite the same Oswalt who won more games in the majors than anyone bar Johan Santana, between 2004 and 2007. This year, he has been eminently hittable, with batters at a surprisingly-high figure of .292 against him. He still doesn't walk many people: only 37 in 141.1 innings but, given that over his entire career, he has allowed less than one hit per inning, a WHIP of 1.429 is very high.
Randy Johnson has the lowest ERA of any starter in baseball since the All-Star break, with just four earned runs in 33.1 innings, for an overall figure of 1.08. His K:BB ratio over those five starts is an insane 26:2, and opponents' OBP is a miniscule ,238. If he keeps that up, he might just get the six wins he needs to reach 300. It was announced that our front four starters will be going on regular i.e. four days' rest as far as possible the rest of the season. I'll knock something up looking at what exactly that means for match-ups - but if I'm right, it gives the Big Unit nine more starts, including tomorrow - and I think it means Johnson will also take the mound for the last game of the season. I guess the ultimate would be if he had 299 wins and we needed the victory to clinch a play-off spot. I think, overall, I'd rather wrap things up sooner than that!
This Gameday Thread is coming to you courtesy of the 'Schedule for Publish' button in SB Nation v2.1 - hey, you surely don't expect me to get up at 9am on Sunday, do you? However, Mrs. SnakePit has to go buy the makings of film festival trophies this morning, so all things being equal, I should be just about surfaced and conscious in time for first pitch. With a lead in the division again, thanks to the Dodgers losing in extra innings last night, we will hopefully extend our winning streak and put more pressure on Los Angeles.
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Have been in conference talks...
about galaxies for more than two hours already. Roll on the baseball (and thank God for wifi).
Lineups...
Drew ss .281
Young cf .241
Tracy 1b .283
Dunn lf .238
Reynolds 3b .249
Romero rf .261
Snyder c .249
Burke 2b .207
Johnson p .111
Erstad cf .289
Loretta 2b .269
Tejada ss .282
Berkman 1b .332
Wigginton lf .302
Blum 3b .236
Pence rf .266
Ausmus c .232
Oswalt p .178
Day off for CoJack today, while Burke gets the nod again at second and Young’s in the 2 spot against a righty again. Given the recent results (blah blah sample size blah), it’s hard to complain.
Jackson's day off
Is largely expected: Melvin was saying he looked in need of it. The last time Jackson didn’t start was back on June 27.
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Evening all
Think I’m going to watch the first few frames from the ’tub so shall be around later :)
So...time for another drink then?
Yes, probably for the best
Laptops + water…not a good combination!
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
soco's keys to the game
1) Watch the Rentals’ videos until the game starts
2) Eat leftover stir fry
3) Go to “the Clone Wars”
4) Dessert?
Yub, yub!
has anyone any idea
why gameday audio will play on my crappy lappy and not on the bran spanking new computer with Vista on it?
Everything we’ve tried has failed
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
"with Vista on it"
There is probably your issue, right there. :-(
Try here though – the last post might help:
http://www.mlbsupport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=99
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Though I subsequently note
The thread goes on for another four pages after that… :-(
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
The final solution
In that case was to update sound card drivers from the manufacturer’s site.
But, basically, you are not alone…
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
totes not worked but thanks
I knew it was Vista was the problem
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
Now
If we can just send nine batters to the plate in the first again, we should be fine. After all, we have standards to keep up…
I was thinking about adding that
And also the post-season odds percentage. Seemed like tempting fate a bit yet, with forty games still left…
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I couldn't
remember when you started it last year, but it seemed like it was in August. Maybe not, that might be drugs talking.
Yub, yub!
It was present
On this day last year. Of course, on this day last year, we were four games up, too!
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, memories...
That day was the one Webb ran his scoreless innings streak to 42…
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
No earlier than September, I'd imagine
Probably not until the number is at 20 or lower.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
On the plus side...
Watching Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is a great way to get psyched for the game. I think.
And for all those who don't live in Houston?
Then what?
Besides, what’s the problem?
by snakecharmer on Aug 17, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
What's the problem?
Game time was 2:05 and it’s now 2:20. Wasting time. If you don’t live in Houston, watch the E.S.P.N. or the nightly news to watch it.
The team that might win, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
I am assuming this is sarcasm
Or, otherwise, these Sunday morning starts are really not your forte, are they? :-)
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Tall guy, mullet...
May have seen him now and then….
by snakecharmer on Aug 17, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
He's like
A higher-altitude, fluffier version of Billy-Ray Cyrus…
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Seems a good candidate
To be the first. Maybe they’ll do it when he gets inducted into the HoF?
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
if Webb isn’t greedy and stops hating Phoenix, I imagine he’d be another eventual candidate.
Yub, yub!
Gonzo too?
Any know if the other expansion franchises have retired any numbers? [Save 42, obviously]
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know
I’m in the favor of less retired numbers than more, but on the other hand I certainly wouldn’t mind Gonzo getting the nod.
Yub, yub!
To answer my own question
Tampa have retired #12 (Boggs), the Marlins #5 (their president, Carl Barger) and the Rockies haven’t retired anyone.
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm digging
some of these new camera angles. I still think it would be great if for the World Series, each game was directed by a different famous director.
Yub, yub!
Brian DePalma
Covers the entire game with one, three-hour long tracking shot…
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
While in the Tarantino version
Sutton and Grace discuss everything but the game for nine innings.
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually
The entire game consists of footage stolen from other, better World Series. And Adam Dunn brings proceedings to a grinding halt so he can discuss comic-books for half an hour.
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
He shows up in a ludicrous role as the All-Star second-baseman. Orlando Hudson then shoots him in the head.
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Joss Whedon mikes up all the players and gives them a lot of witty dialogue, and then Fox cancels the game halfway through the third inning…
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
And because they started the World Series on Game Two.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
And because the pitcher wasn’t recovered from Nathan Fillion surgery. (As performed by Dr. Horrible.)
It's like living with a six-year old.
by 4 Corners Fan on Aug 17, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Hitchcock pinch hits
well. he was the same shape as the Babe
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
And he liked to be in a minor role in all his movies.
It's like living with a six-year old.
by 4 Corners Fan on Aug 17, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Your co-operation
Is appreciated, albeit in a somewhat perplexed manner. :-)
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
D'oh
Double play.
Randy’s wondering why all the other starters get first inning leads, but he doesn’t.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Because all the other starters don't suck?
:-(
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay that's it
I’m off to cook pasta.Take that Astros!
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
Yes, I was wondering
About the significance of that comment, in relation to Wimb having a bath… :-)
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
he puts his left leg in
he puts his left leg out
in out, in out
shake it all about
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
I'm pretty sure...
it was a time-delayed response to the DP.
by snakecharmer on Aug 17, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
What is this?? behind in the first inning?
"There are only two seasons: winter and baseball"
-- Bill Veeck
I hid your extra-curricular comments
To save you embarrassment. :-)
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh good point!!
After all, nobody else took a bath the first inning this series…
by snakecharmer on Aug 17, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course
being a Brit he had to get the tin bath down off the back of the coal house door, boil up the copper, ladle in the water to the tub in front of the fire with a clothes horse round it, draped in sheets and wash quick because the other 8 members of the family are waiting.
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
First Tracy
and now Dunn hit the ball right at someone. I hope it isn’t going to be like that all day.
I have no statistical proof of this, but Oswalt always has struck me of a guy that you need to get to early… hope this isn’t a sign of a lock-down performance by him.
"There are only two seasons: winter and baseball"
-- Bill Veeck
We thought that against Karstens, too…. :/
by snakecharmer on Aug 17, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Out of the inning
Okay, let’s get the offense rolling here.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Ok that bath wasn't as much fun
Thanks to that 3 run blast :( but hey, time for runs :)
So...time for another drink then?
I'm still in favour...
Of the trading Chris Burke for a stop sign idea :(
So...time for another drink then?
Particularly
With the slowest runner on the roster, on a ball that barely left the infield.
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
For the record
I get really tired of the “Bottle and Can” Miller ads on the radio, too. They always seem to make no sense.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
So...
Instead of bringing the tying run at the plate, we’re out of the inning and still three runs behind. Good work, Chip!
Oh, come on
Who would have guessed that catcher wouldn’t have the speed to score from second on a grounder to the shallow outfield?
Oh, right, many people.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
I've a brain the size of a planet
and you ask me to make a cup of tea.
We will meet in Red 3 at the hour of scampering.
Oh, yeah
It still telling me Tejada just got a double.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
I didn't wake up for the start...
didn’t wake up until 20 minutes ago, actually.
But I’m just checking in, since today is the day that I pack the rest of my life into boxes. Woo!
I’ll be back every once in awhile to check the score and such.
Go Dbacks :-)
by emilylovesthedbacks on Aug 17, 2008 3:20 PM EDT reply actions
Okay, okay.
I always get a little nervous when all my stuff is packed up and in a vehicle. Even though I know nothing will happen, in the back of my head I worry if the car will be stolen when I stop to get gas or something.
Yeahh...
imagine that and having an instrument that is worth more than everything else in the car.
I am SO paranoid.
by emilylovesthedbacks on Aug 17, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
On the plus side...
Everything will be fine. The weather should also be much better for driving than the past few days, so you’ll be in good shape.
We just packed up our daughter’s stuff to take her to Flagstaff. We live in a little town where there isn’t much crime, and I was still worried that somebody would break in to the trailer and steal all her worldly goods.
It's like living with a six-year old.
by 4 Corners Fan on Aug 17, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Not the prettiest start by the Unit so far...
Hasn’t got his best stuff, clearly, but all things considered he’s really only made one mistake, and his team is still in the game.
If they, you know, score some runs.
It looked pretty bad
on a bar television in the corner of a cubs game. I approve of the run scoring idea.
Dunn makes the catch and then falls into the stands?
Yeah, he’ll fit in here. =)
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Oswalt is pitching very, very well
This is one of those games where you really just have to tip your hat to a top-quality pitcher. And since that three-run homer, Johnson has actually been pretty good as well. Wigginton’s shot is the entire difference between the teams so far, runwise.
It's true.
Still, one hoped there wouldn’t be quite such a regression after the past two games. 10+ runs to one hit? Yikes.
I fixed it for you
Where’s a ll the HR from Dunn?
by Jim McLennan on Aug 17, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
And...
If we could score some runs get some hits do anything this inning against Oswalt, he might still get a win?
Did I mention?
I really don’t like this Wigginton guy.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Pfft.
Considering Suppan was 1-7 the one season he was here, you’d think he could at least do us a favor now.
He doesn't really seem to be in a cooperative mood.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Last chance
Assuming Oswalt is still in, I am not optimistic. Go to Valverde! It’s a save opportunity!
Yeesh
There’s an article in the Miami Herald saying that the Marlins’ll probably be dumping off a lot of talent this off-season, unless the owner wants to start spending a lot more money- now, granted, doubling their payroll would move them from 30th in the league to- well, either 29th or 30th.
Maybe we could get Dan Uggla back?
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Hey!!!
Valverde’s pitching for us again!!!
Oh, wait. That’s an Astro’s uni. ( I couldn’t tell at first)
Wow....
I can’t believe you waited until the last Dbacks-Stros game to bring back that little gem from last year….
Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers: Filling the dubious shoes left open by Barry Bonds and the Giants.
Montero pinch hitting
How about another home run? Just getting on base is good, too.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
So...
Barring something by Drew, I believe the Astros pitchers will have faced the minimum batters in this game.
Single for Drew!
He now has both of our hits.
Let’s change that.
Am I avoiding the subject, or am I doing philosophy?
Aw craaaap
Dodgers scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th. Ethier homer. :(
by snakecharmer on Aug 17, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought you were banned from talking about the Dodgers,
or at least when they are winning.
The team that might win, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He's fine
Nobody else is not banned from doing so..
by snakecharmer on Aug 18, 2008 3:16 AM EDT up reply actions
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