What is the NL going to do...

[Jimy is a misspell]

when Roger Clemens comes back to the Astros at the first of June?

 

What team in the NL will be able to compete with them at that point? The Cards are the only one I can think of, and I still think they'll be the underdog.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

At the moment I don't have the time to go into detail, but I don't think Clemens puts the Stros over the top. The rotation after Clemens and Oswalt isn't very good, and Berkman and Ensberg are the only players that are hitting. Not to say that I think they'll finish in 4th place, but I don't think Rajah puts them head and shoulders above the pack.

[Jimy is a misspell]

Interesting points, but you haven't been paying attention if you think Berkman and Ensberg are the only ones hitting. Houston in 3rd in the NL in runs and 3rd in the NL is BA.

 

The Cubs are 11th in the NL in runs. Now they don't have Lee.

[Diffusion]

Interesting points, but you haven't been paying attention if you think Berkman and Ensberg are the only ones hitting. Houston in 3rd in the NL in runs and 3rd in the NL is BA.

 

Who else is hitting then?

 

Berkman and Ensberg -- .387/.470/.847 in 132 PA

Rest of the everyday starting lineup -- .270/.345/.403 in 359 PA

Bench players -- .220/.281/.288 in 64 PA

Pitchers - .143/.200/.143 in 30 PA

 

Berkman and Ensberg are the only ones hitting, and how. And they're the reason that the Astros are 3rd in runs and average, no one else.

 

Which is more, I don't think you can argue that any of the rest of the lineup with the exception of Jason Lane has underperformed. Meanwhile Adam Everett and Brad Ausmus have played well over their head.

 

So, basically, when Berkman and Ensberg eventually can't keep this kind of pace up, the runs are very quickly going to dry up.

 

And, for what it's worth, your hitting numbers are distorted by the hitter's ballpark that you play in, so comparing raw numbers like runs and batting average will always confer an advantage.

 

 

As for your pitching, outside of Oswalt, Pettitte, Lidge and Wheeler, what's to like? And is your defence really that hot?

 

 

The Astros so far have had a 5-2 homestand against the Marlins and Nationals (which is about as easy as it gets), a 3-2 roadtrip to San Francisco and Arizona (decent, but nothing to get excited about) and a 2-1 series hosting the Brewers (fair enough). No one should be crowning them runaway champions just because of that.

[K-Town]

And, for what it's worth, your hitting numbers are distorted by the hitter's ballpark that you play in, so comparing raw numbers like runs and batting average will always confer an advantage.

 

Minute Maid has actually played as a pretty neutral park the last couple of years.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

And, for what it's worth, your hitting numbers are distorted by the hitter's ballpark that you play in, so comparing raw numbers like runs and batting average will always confer an advantage.

 

Minute Maid has actually played as a pretty neutral park the last couple of years.

 

This year so far it's the 4th best environment for runs.

[XZero771679666304]

Interesting points, but you haven't been paying attention if you think Berkman and Ensberg are the only ones hitting. Houston in 3rd in the NL in runs and 3rd in the NL is BA.

 

The Cubs are 11th in the NL in runs. Now they don't have Lee.

 

I think a hot start against lousy competition has you high. The question is, will you show your face on this board when Roger officially retires, it becomes clear that outside of Oswalt, Pettitte and Ligde your pitching is average and you guys actually hit some real competition? Of your opponents, Washington and Milwaukee are in the bottom 5 in ERA. Arizona is middle of the pack. Of the Cub opponents so far, STL and LA are in the top 4 in ERA. Florida is in the top 5, but they also held you to 3 runs a game.

 

And Everett and Ausmus have both been hitting. Is that going to continue? Not likely at all. If it were only Berkman and Ensberg hitting, it would be a better sign for the Astros. The fact that guys are hitting that won't keep hitting doesn't bode well for your maintenance of the 3rd place in runs standing.

 

And whole Lane may start hitting, Ensberg is going to cool off quite a bit.

 

Notice also that Both the Cubs and Cards have team ERA's over half a un lower than Houston's. And the Cubs are doing that without 2 of their top 3 starters. Even if Clemens returns, and returns to Houston (neither of which are close to a given), your staff won't be better than the Cubs or Cards.

 

Andy Pettitte isn't going to repeat his aberrant 2005 season. Oswalt is great, but the back end of your rotation wouldn't scare most AA teams. And no, your bullpen isn't the best.

 

The Cubs rotation is already better, and will get Prior, Wood and Miller. (say what you will, but when the Wood and Prior are healthy, they are VERY good) and you might get back Clemens. Also note that multiple source are reporting Wood looks as good as he has since 2003. Advantage Chicago. And that doesn't take into consideration that the Cubs also have the best bullpen in the league (don't even try and say Houston's is better).

 

Houston isn't going to run away with anything, don't dilude yourself (though from your fist post in this thread it seems you already have). The Cards are still the team to beat, and even with Lee injured, it's going to be a 3 team race.

[K-Town]

And, for what it's worth, your hitting numbers are distorted by the hitter's ballpark that you play in, so comparing raw numbers like runs and batting average will always confer an advantage.

 

Minute Maid has actually played as a pretty neutral park the last couple of years.

 

This year so far it's the 4th best environment for runs.

 

Sample size is too small, in my opinion.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

And, for what it's worth, your hitting numbers are distorted by the hitter's ballpark that you play in, so comparing raw numbers like runs and batting average will always confer an advantage.

 

Minute Maid has actually played as a pretty neutral park the last couple of years.

 

This year so far it's the 4th best environment for runs.

 

Sample size is too small, in my opinion.

 

I'm not drawing conclusions about the ballpark itself, but Jimy used numbers from this year, so it's fair to point out that they are skewed by the ballpark thus far in the context that he used him.

[Banedon]

Clemens will retire. :D

[Jimy is a misspell]

 

I think a hot start against lousy competition has you high. The question is, will you show your face on this board

 

I've been around here longer than you.

 

Of your opponents, Washington and Milwaukee are in the bottom 5 in ERA. Arizona is middle of the pack. Of the Cub opponents so far, STL and LA are in the top 4 in ERA. Florida is in the top 5, but they also held you to 3 runs a game.

 

Of your opponents, only CIN is better than 7th in the NL in runs scored. Chicken or the egg?

 

And Everett and Ausmus have both been hitting. Is that going to continue? Not likely at all. If it were only Berkman and Ensberg hitting, it would be a better sign for the Astros. The fact that guys are hitting that won't keep hitting doesn't bode well for your maintenance of the 3rd place in runs standing.

 

Ausmus was the best hitter on the team after the break last year. Everett there for his glove, obviously, but his bat was unusually bad last year. I don’t think Everett hits this was all season, but Ausmus could outperform his norm, esp. if takes off where last season ended. So far he has.

 

And I don’t think the ‘Stros will end up 3rd in the NL in runs. I was simply pointing out that this team has more than Berkman and Ensberg hitting. Either way, this is a much better offensive team to this point than what it was last year.

 

 

Even if Clemens returns, and returns to Houston (neither of which are close to a given)

 

First isn't a given, second almost certainly is.

 

your staff won't be better than the Cubs or Cards.

 

Cards have a more balanced rotation ,esp in the back end. But they, and nobody else in the majors can match a 1-2-3 of Oswalt, Clemens and Pettitte. Not to mention the fact that Rodriguez and Buckholtz have looked good so far. As is the same with some of the Cubs young arms, who knows what they’ll do over the course of a season? But if Clemens comes back, only a fool would argue that the Cubs or Cards can match that rotaion.

 

Andy Pettitte isn't going to repeat his aberrant 2005 season.

I could tell you Maddux will start pitching like last year soon. Who’s right? Neither of us really know, pretty stupid statement to make.

 

The Cubs rotation is already better

Against weaker hitting teams

 

and will get Prior, Wood and Miller.

 

Stop. Rewind. Play. Who knows what those guys will do or how long they will be able to do it. You can’t assume they will give you ANYTHING at this point.

 

(say what you will, but when the Wood and Prior are healthy, they are VERY good)

 

How long has that happened, for like 3 consecutive months?

 

. Also note that multiple source are reporting Wood looks as good as he has since 2003.

 

Stop. Rewind. Play. Also, who is this coming from, the people inside the Cubs organization? They have always been so honest and forthcoming regarding Woods and Prior’s injury status.

 

Advantage Chicago.

 

In your little world.

[rawaction]

 

I think a hot start against lousy competition has you high. The question is, will you show your face on this board

 

I've been around here longer than you.

 

Of your opponents, Washington and Milwaukee are in the bottom 5 in ERA. Arizona is middle of the pack. Of the Cub opponents so far, STL and LA are in the top 4 in ERA. Florida is in the top 5, but they also held you to 3 runs a game.

 

Of your opponents, only CIN is better than 7th in the NL in runs scored. Chicken or the egg?

 

And Everett and Ausmus have both been hitting. Is that going to continue? Not likely at all. If it were only Berkman and Ensberg hitting, it would be a better sign for the Astros. The fact that guys are hitting that won't keep hitting doesn't bode well for your maintenance of the 3rd place in runs standing.

 

Ausmus was the best hitter on the team after the break last year. Everett there for his glove, obviously, but his bat was unusually bad last year. I don’t think Everett hits this was all season, but Ausmus could outperform his norm, esp. if takes off where last season ended. So far he has.

 

And I don’t think the ‘Stros will end up 3rd in the NL in runs. I was simply pointing out that this team has more than Berkman and Ensberg hitting. Either way, this is a much better offensive team to this point than what it was last year.

 

 

Even if Clemens returns, and returns to Houston (neither of which are close to a given)

 

First isn't a given, second almost certainly is.

 

your staff won't be better than the Cubs or Cards.

 

Cards have a more balanced rotation ,esp in the back end. But they, and nobody else in the majors can match a 1-2-3 of Oswalt, Clemens and Pettitte. Not to mention the fact that Rodriguez and Buckholtz have looked good so far. As is the same with some of the Cubs young arms, who knows what they’ll do over the course of a season? But if Clemens comes back, only a fool would argue that the Cubs or Cards can match that rotaion.

 

Andy Pettitte isn't going to repeat his aberrant 2005 season.

I could tell you Maddux will start pitching like last year soon. Who’s right? Neither of us really know, pretty stupid statement to make.

 

The Cubs rotation is already better

Against weaker hitting teams

 

and will get Prior, Wood and Miller.

 

Stop. Rewind. Play. Who knows what those guys will do or how long they will be able to do it. You can’t assume they will give you ANYTHING at this point.

 

(say what you will, but when the Wood and Prior are healthy, they are VERY good)

 

How long has that happened, for like 3 consecutive months?

 

. Also note that multiple source are reporting Wood looks as good as he has since 2003.

 

Stop. Rewind. Play. Also, who is this coming from, the people inside the Cubs organization? They have always been so honest and forthcoming regarding Woods and Prior’s injury status.

 

Advantage Chicago.

 

In your little world.

 

First, you should probably tone down the harshness (I admit the show your face comment was unnecessary).

 

Secondly, I must be a fool because I think Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Maddux and Williams/Miller can match Clemens (who will be 43 and having not pitched for as long as Wood and Prior if he comes back), Pettitte (who had a career year after several with an ERA around 4), Oswalt and the others.

 

Third, what does injury status have to do with the Cubs saying Wood looks good? Do you think he really had Tommy John surgery and they are just completely lying about the situation? There's a difference between completely forthcoming and completely telling a boldfaced lie.

 

Fourth, you have no proof that the Cubs lied about knowing how long Wood and Prior would be out last year.

[jjgman21]

is this guy K-Town's long lost twin brother?

 

if you want to come here and discuss baseball on a rational level, fine. if you want to come and be a complete Homer, please go somewhere else.

 

irrationality on this website is reserved for Cubs fans.

[Jimy is a misspell]

 

irrationality on this website is reserved for Cubs fans.

 

:D Well said. Fair enough!

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

[ManEatingTarp]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

[SouthSideRyan]

Wouldn't the day when we all want to kill ourselves over DLee not be the best day to come on and make jokes and gloating posts? What are the Astros gonna do when they realize Phil Garner is their manager?

 

43 years old. And you think we're nuts for banking on Wood, Prior, or Miller.

 

43 years old. In the meantime there lies 3 corpses in the 3-4-5 spots.

[Chris]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

 

ha ha, gold star

[Transmogrified Tiger]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

 

hahahaha

[rawaction]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

 

hahahaha

 

That was great. Good job.

[ManEatingTarp]

glad you guys know it's a friendly jab.

 

I really do hope D Lee gets back ahead of schedule. He's one of those players that you can't help but like.

[Dr. Cub]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

 

I thought it was pretty damn funny. :wink:

[Brian34Cook]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

I also wish DLee well and a speedy recovery!

[jjgman21]

glad you guys know it's a friendly jab.

 

I really do hope D Lee gets back ahead of schedule. He's one of those players that you can't help but like.

 

I got a chuckle out of it...until I realized that a Card fan posted it.

 

you go to hell Tarp!

[snoodmonger]

What is the NL Central going to do when the Cubs get back DLee, Wood, Prior, Miller ?

 

Have Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

 

..ok, that was mean. I'm sorry.

 

Man, that was a Rusch "fastball" right down the middle. Way to knock it out of the park, Tarp.