With more than 1,200 games in a Major League season, no one sees the performance of every player every inning or even most players most innings. Nor is the average fan trained to evaluate players by eyewitness observation like a professional scout. Statistics are therefore a helpful tool to compare performances among players. A quickly calculated, easily understood statistic that attempts to combine several elements of a player’s performance is particularly welcome in this pursuit.

(more…)

By Breedlove
Editor’s note - This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on February 22, 2001.

“Control your expenses better than your competition. This is where you can always find the competitive advantage. You can make a lot of mistakes and still recover if you run an efficient operation. Or you can be brilliant and still go out of business if you’re too inefficient.” — Sam Walton

Easily the biggest complaint of Astros fans is that Drayton McLane adheres too strongly to the business style of his old partner, the late Sam Walton. They say he runs the Astros too much like a business, with the notion–seemingly outdated in today’s dot-com world–of turning a profit, not enough like a hobby that a “good” owner would sink his millions into. But Astros fans have enjoyed a special benefit from the Walton/McLane business philosophy, and it’s a big part of what makes and keeps them fans. (more…)

By Breedlove
Editor’s note - This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on February 21, 2001.

“Already, (the Tigers) feel more like a family than Houston ever did. I don’t respect that organization at all. It’s a joke, from top to bottom.”

He switch-hit. He hit .300. He hit with power. He had more offensive ability than any catcher in Astros history. Yet with these sickening words, Mitch Meluskey made clear to anyone with doubt remaining exactly why the Houston Astros dealt him to Detroit. He has less class than a substitute teacher and about as much professionalism as Mary Kay Letourneau. There is no player more fit to wear the tools of ignorance. (more…)

By Breedlove
Editor’s note - This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on February 15, 2001.

The Astros pitchers and catchers report to spring training today and all I got was this lousy T-shirt. Apologies, folks, but we remain in the throes of Quiet Time. The big move since last we met was exercising the option on Brad Ausmus. While the sense of direction indicated by that move is pleasing, this space goes to a treatment on the dreaded OPS.

What The…? (more…)

Houston’s new ballpark had barely opened last spring when sportscasters began calling it 10-Run Field. Enron Field indeed saw an average of 12.41 runs per game, 6.23 scored plus 6.17 allowed by the Astros.

(more…)

By Michael N

Editor’s note - This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on February 8, 2001.
(more…)