Friday, May 14, 2004
Astros-Marlins 5/13
Tough loss for the good guys last night. But as tough as it was to see Houston blow a 2-1 lead in the 8th, it paled in comparison to the crazy end of San Antonio and LA... TWO buzzer beaters? Insane.
A few thoughts:
- Despite their record, Houston has endured a lot of bad luck this year. That continued with the bases-loaded play in the 8th that gave Florida the lead. Jose Vicaino grabs a high chopper down the line and lands on third base. But when he throws home, Brad Ausmus doesn't realize that Viz has forced the out at third, so instead of tagging the runner coming home, he touches the plate and throws to first. What should have been a tie game with two outs and runners on first and second, became 3-2 Marlins, one out, and runners on first and second. It was the difference in the game.
- Watching a slow team like Houston each day makes you appreciate the team speed that Florida has. I wuld love to see Astros minor leaguer Willy Taveras blossom into a Juan Pierre kind of guy. Man, he can fly. On two occasions last night, he made routine grounders into close plays.
- During Craig Biggio's early season tear, many people noted that his batting stance change (i.e., dropping that leg kick) was helping him cut down on strike outs, especially with sliders, which have plagued him for years. Last night, he struck out twice, fishing for sliders both times. Neither pitch was even close.
- Houston has frustrated me all season with their inability to drive in runs in key situations. Yes, they lead the league in runs scored (despite ranking just 9th in HRs), but how many times have they left runners in scoring position in clutch at-bats? Twice last night (7th and 8th) they had batters ground into inning-ending double plays, when they had a chance to put up a big inning.
- Tim Redding pitched well. Despite the loss, that is two sraight quality starts for Tim. Great Sign!
- In 1998, Houston won 27 games in it's last at-bat. Milo called them the "Cardiac Kids." Almost 20% into this season, the Astros have ONE win in their final at-bat. That's something worth watching as the season progresses.
- Dan Miceli just doesn't get enough credit for the job he's done this year. He pitches at least every other night, and most nights, he shuts batters down. In his one inning in last night's loss, he struck out the side.
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A few thoughts:
- Despite their record, Houston has endured a lot of bad luck this year. That continued with the bases-loaded play in the 8th that gave Florida the lead. Jose Vicaino grabs a high chopper down the line and lands on third base. But when he throws home, Brad Ausmus doesn't realize that Viz has forced the out at third, so instead of tagging the runner coming home, he touches the plate and throws to first. What should have been a tie game with two outs and runners on first and second, became 3-2 Marlins, one out, and runners on first and second. It was the difference in the game.
- Watching a slow team like Houston each day makes you appreciate the team speed that Florida has. I wuld love to see Astros minor leaguer Willy Taveras blossom into a Juan Pierre kind of guy. Man, he can fly. On two occasions last night, he made routine grounders into close plays.
- During Craig Biggio's early season tear, many people noted that his batting stance change (i.e., dropping that leg kick) was helping him cut down on strike outs, especially with sliders, which have plagued him for years. Last night, he struck out twice, fishing for sliders both times. Neither pitch was even close.
- Houston has frustrated me all season with their inability to drive in runs in key situations. Yes, they lead the league in runs scored (despite ranking just 9th in HRs), but how many times have they left runners in scoring position in clutch at-bats? Twice last night (7th and 8th) they had batters ground into inning-ending double plays, when they had a chance to put up a big inning.
- Tim Redding pitched well. Despite the loss, that is two sraight quality starts for Tim. Great Sign!
- In 1998, Houston won 27 games in it's last at-bat. Milo called them the "Cardiac Kids." Almost 20% into this season, the Astros have ONE win in their final at-bat. That's something worth watching as the season progresses.
- Dan Miceli just doesn't get enough credit for the job he's done this year. He pitches at least every other night, and most nights, he shuts batters down. In his one inning in last night's loss, he struck out the side.
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