Archive for July, 2006
Snakes take extra inning contest, 8-7
The Astros of 2006 cannot seem to put together all phases for more that a game or two. The pitching led to the demise of this game, as the Astros rallied several times but could not hold the lead in front of 43,000 fans “dressed up” for 70′s night at Minute Maid Park. Read the rest of this entry »
Diamondbacks at Astros – Snakes on a Train
By Craig Elliott
The Astros seem to be in a Terry Schiavo-like state right now. Common sense says “have mercy and pull the damn plug,” but then a lazy eye seems to follow the balloon for a second or two and you think, “Hey! There MIGHT be an ounce of hope left!” But then reality sets in and you realize that even Terry Schiavo could work a walk from Brad Lidge right now … or at least an HBP.
Maybe Purpura can pull a miracle out of his ass this weekend, but I’m not holding my breath. The thing is, the parts already seem to be here and more or less in working order. It’s just that they don’t seem to work together as a whole. I guess Drayton can throw more money at the problem, but that still doesn’t mean this patient will get up and walk. Much less drive in a run.
Meanwhile … the Diamondbacks just dropped two of three to the Phillies, though they had won their four previous series. They’re three games behind the Padres in the West, and 2.5 games behind the Reds in the wildcard race. Third-baseman Chad Tracy is leading the team in homers, RBIs, hits, and runs, but he also has 93 strikeouts compared to 56 for the next-closest whiffer.
When:
Friday, July 28, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Saturday, July 29, 6:05 p.m. CDT – KNWS
Sunday, July 30, 1:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
MLB Extra Innings – Looks like no broadcast Saturday. Friday’s and Sunday’s games will be on Fox Southwest.
Where: MMPUS
Lots of good promotions again this weekend. Friday will be 70′s Night, so bust out the Rainbow Guts. There will also be Colt Stadium replica giveaways, and of course the usual fireworks (but read the fine print, because it’s doubtful the fireworks will be provided by the Astros’ offense). Biggio figurines will be given away Saturday, and on Sunday it’s Matchbox cars. Sunday will also feature the always-popular Kids Run the Bases event, with an added twist: your youngster can choose to be either walked by Brad Lidge, or hit by a pitch.
Astros rally for a much needed Wynn, 8-5
As the Astros stepped to the plate in the 5th inning against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo trailing 5-1 on the scoreboard, the TV crew just finished interviewing Astro legend Jimmy “Toy Cannon” Wynn, who gave his explaination on their problems with the bats. The good guys proceeded to rally for 6 runs in the inning capped by a monster 3-run blast into the restaurant from Lance Berkman. Read the rest of this entry »
Reds at Astros – You’re in Over Your Head, Red
By Craig Elliott
The Astros are returning from an uninspiring roadtrip, though it was fun to see the lolly-gagging Stem stepping on their own dicks Sunday. Now it’s back home for a series with the dipshit Reds, who are somehow still leading the wildcard race. But there are two months left in the season, and I don’t think Cincinnati can hold onto the lead. Now would be a good time for the Astros to thump the punkass Reds and send the overachievers back to the bottom of the Ohio River where they belong.
The Reds have lost their last two series, though they swept four games from the Rukkakies right after the All-Star Break. They’re still barely holding onto the wildcard lead, but right now there are really only three NL teams (gNats, Cubs, Pirates) who are out of it. The Astros are 5 games behind Cincinnati, tied with L.A. and Colorado.
If the Astros’ marketing team were on the ball, we’d be seeing Sheriff Blaylock’s Authentic Chili Night right about now, with complimentary chocolate bars and packets of cinnamon to throw at Cincinnati players. Of course they’d probably just collect it all and save it for the next Greater Cincinnati Three-Way Cornhole Tournament.
When:
Tuesday, July 25, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Wednesday, July 26, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Thursday, July 27, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
MLB Extra Innings – Looks like no broadcast Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday’s games will be on Fox Southwest.
Where: MMPUS
Thundersticks and chatterbats, whatever those are, will be the chief giveaways this weekend. I’ve never seen either of those things in action, but I have a hunch they are most effective when being pounded on the Reds’ dugout roof. While chanting “Jun-i-yooooor … come out to play-ee-ay!”
