What is the NL going to do...

[XZero771679666304]

 

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.

 

Wow, that was one of the biggest displays of uninformed homerism I have ever seen.

 

Wood had been healthy for a stretch of YEARS. Many of the reports are coming from OUTSIDE SOURCES. Wood, Prior and Z when healthy are every bit as good as your rotation. If Roger doesn't come back, your rotation is average, if that.

 

Compare Pettitte's 2005 numbers to the rest of his career. Total aberration. A stupid statement to make would be to say you can expect those numbers again, or anything close to those numbers. Prior to last year, Pettitte had been a good pitcher on great teams, nothing more. And I don't think anyone here expects Maddux to maintain his pace. But if you believe that a Clemens/Pettitte/Oswalt 1-2-3 is better than anyone else's, you obviously are expecting Andy to peform like he only has once in his entire career.

 

And as for what to expect out of out returning pitchers, what can you really expect out of Clemens, if he comes back? He is great, but he is 43 and clearly wore down late last year. Roger is 43. Father time is coming for the Rajah, as it has come for Bonds. Sure Clemens was awsome last year, but you can look to Bonds to see how quicky a dominant player can hit the wall. I think he knows this, and that's why is going to stay retired. And if he does come back you better believe that if Epstein or the Boss throw a ton of money at him, Houston will be in his rear view. Because you know Drayton isn't going to be paying him what he did last year again. One thing Roger has proven time and time again is that Roger will do what is best for Roger.

 

And the Cubs ERA is due to weaker opponents? Wrong again. Washington is 10th, SF is 12th, Arizona 4th and Florida is dead last in offense. Cincinnati is 1st, Pittsburgh 7th, LA 9th and STL 12th.

 

If you average the opponents rankings, Houston has put up a significantly worse ERA against significantly WORSE offenses.

 

And I particularly like how you Houston fans don't show around here when times are tough, only when it is convenient. You show up here just after we find out our best player is hurt, gloating about your quick start against crap teams like you are the best team in the league. GMAFB. At least the Cards fans have some dignity and integrity. We didn't hear a peep from you in the first half last year. And if Roger doesn't come back, Pettitte realizes last year was a fluke, your bullpen outside of Wheeler and Lidge is exposed as the medicocrity it is.....well then you will just slink back into the woodwork.

 

Classy.

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

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.

 

:D

[da bears]

Well put XZero77.

[XZero771679666304]

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.

 

That was very good. Personally, I would have gone for "open Christmas presents", but that was very well played.

[Jimy is a misspell]

Clemens was at the game last night. Article in the paper today says McClane will call him and his agent May 1st.

 

It's going to happen.

[RynoRules]

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.

 

:D

 

Agreed - very well played. And perhaps true.

[SouthSideRyan]

Clemens was at the game last night. Article in the paper today says McClane will call him and his agent May 1st.

 

It's going to happen.

 

Well yeah, Clemens has been a total hermit all through the baseball season. So anybody talking to him should surely get him signed.

[Jimy is a misspell]

Clemens was at the game last night. Article in the paper today says McClane will call him and his agent May 1st.

 

It's going to happen.

 

Well yeah, Clemens has been a total hermit all through the baseball season.

 

He's been all over the place here in Houston. That's what most people don't understand. He's just opened a new sports bar here, he's part owner of another place that's about to open, he's all over the local car dealer's advertisements, he's spotted around town all the time, the guy's a God here and he has a very big vested interest in keeping the citizens of Houston in his corner and patronizing his establishments. Couple that with the fact that his family lives here and the 'stros have started out well w/o him, and I just don't see him going anywhere else.

 

I DO think he'll use the other clubs to bid up the asking price and get McClane to open up the pocket book for him.

[SouthSideRyan]

Clemens spotted around town in the city he lives in. News at 10.

[ltb]

He's been all over the place here in Houston. That's what most people don't understand. He's just opened a new sports bar here, he's part owner of another place that's about to open

 

guys nomar owns a house in wilmette he's totally coming back to the cubs!!!!!

[Andy]

John Mabry still lives in STL, he's going to migrate back to the Cardinals!

[XZero771679666304]

Clemens spotted around town in the city he lives in. News at 10.

 

LOL

[nilodnayr]

Clemens was at the game last night. Article in the paper today says McClane will call him and his agent May 1st.

 

It's going to happen.

 

Well yeah, Clemens has been a total hermit all through the baseball season.

 

He's been all over the place here in Houston. That's what most people don't understand. He's just opened a new sports bar here, he's part owner of another place that's about to open, he's all over the local car dealer's advertisements, he's spotted around town all the time, the guy's a God here and he has a very big vested interest in keeping the citizens of Houston in his corner and patronizing his establishments. Couple that with the fact that his family lives here and the 'stros have started out well w/o him, and I just don't see him going anywhere else.

 

I DO think he'll use the other clubs to bid up the asking price and get McClane to open up the pocket book for him.

 

Sounds too busy to play baseball...

 

And the arguement that youve been here for 30 months and XZeros been here for 31 is really weak. Its one thing if a newby uses the show your face line, its another if a vet does.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

There are no dominant teams in the NL this year. No one is going to run away with things.

 

That's what is going to make this fun. Right now, the Cubs look lost without Lee...but without a dominant team...it's still anyone's division.

[stitchface]

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.

 

I think 162 games of this team last year is enough to prove this is not logical statement.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Clemens was at the game last night. Article in the paper today says McClane will call him and his agent May 1st.

 

It's going to happen.

 

Well yeah, Clemens has been a total hermit all through the baseball season.

 

He's been all over the place here in Houston. That's what most people don't understand. He's just opened a new sports bar here, he's part owner of another place that's about to open, he's all over the local car dealer's advertisements, he's spotted around town all the time, the guy's a God here and he has a very big vested interest in keeping the citizens of Houston in his corner and patronizing his establishments. Couple that with the fact that his family lives here and the 'stros have started out well w/o him, and I just don't see him going anywhere else.

 

I DO think he'll use the other clubs to bid up the asking price and get McClane to open up the pocket book for him.

 

You know, opening new businesses could be a sign he's moving on to life after baseball and isn't interested in playing any more. Just a thought....

[ltb]

Clemens was at the game last night. Article in the paper today says McClane will call him and his agent May 1st.

 

It's going to happen.

 

Well yeah, Clemens has been a total hermit all through the baseball season.

 

He's been all over the place here in Houston. That's what most people don't understand. He's just opened a new sports bar here, he's part owner of another place that's about to open, he's all over the local car dealer's advertisements, he's spotted around town all the time, the guy's a God here and he has a very big vested interest in keeping the citizens of Houston in his corner and patronizing his establishments. Couple that with the fact that his family lives here and the 'stros have started out well w/o him, and I just don't see him going anywhere else.

 

I DO think he'll use the other clubs to bid up the asking price and get McClane to open up the pocket book for him.

 

You know, opening new businesses could be a sign he's moving on to life after baseball and isn't interested in playing any more. Just a thought....

 

nuh uh!!

michael jordan owns a restaurant in chicago and still plays for the bulls doesn't he????

 

oh wait...

[Jimy is a misspell]

I'll bump this thread by June 1st, after he makes his first start this year.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'll bump this thread by June 1st, after he makes his first start this year.

 

Gonna come back if the Astros don't make the playoffs?

[XZero771679666304]

I'll bump this thread by June 1st, after he makes his first start this year.

 

Gonna come back if the Astros don't make the playoffs?

 

If Roger doesn't come back, we'll have seen the last of him. Heck, we might not see him after the Cards take first place from them.

[Outshined_One]

He could always go and do something random like sign with the Rangers.

[Andy]

I'll bump this thread by June 1st, after he makes his first start this year.

 

Gonna come back if the Astros don't make the playoffs?

They play yet another bad team tomorrow in LA. It might be a while before they're far enough behind to be rid of him.

[Chris]

I'll bump this thread by June 1st, after he makes his first start this year.

 

From the NSBB Member Guidelines:

 

Resurrecting Old Threads

 

In general, if no one has replied to a thread in weeks, please let it die. If you have something genuinely worthwhile to add it's OK to resurrect it, but please don't resurrect it just to emote, spam, or basically say "me too". When in doubt, create a new thread with a link to the old one, and mention that you want to add something new to the old thread.

[ZiggyTaxi]

Oddly enough, this poster only seems to lurk around here to boast when the Astros are doing well.

 

I must say, I have a lot more respect for the Cards fans on this board. Even when we swept them at home they still were full of respect and congratulatory words.

 

I guarantee this poster would not show their face if the Astros were in an unfavorable position. What really irks me is that arrogant tone...

[SouthSideRyan]

I'll bump this thread by June 1st, after he makes his first start this year.

 

From the NSBB Member Guidelines:

 

Resurrecting Old Threads

 

In general, if no one has replied to a thread in weeks, please let it die. If you have something genuinely worthwhile to add it's OK to resurrect it, but please don't resurrect it just to emote, spam, or basically say "me too". When in doubt, create a new thread with a link to the old one, and mention that you want to add something new to the old thread.

 

Ohhh come on, it'll be lots of fun to ask where he is later this season :)