It was a very poor game. I would go on about it, but suffice to say it probably is best to say I hope the team recovers. <br /><br />It does show poor decision making as well as poor playing on all parts.<br /><br />Noticed Backe ended up making waivers and such, but don't blame him. That said, this is a clear example of how the Astros desperately need to move up and recruit pitching talent...<br /><br />... well that and McLane realize to NOT trade so many players for a "Big Name." Matsui is the only one that I see as an all around disappointment in that regard - the others are proving at least partially they deserve to be on the team.

Paulino just didn't have it.&nbsp; Bad pitch after bad pitch.&nbsp; One way to look at it is: At least Cooper and his main man Valverde didn't get a chance to lose it.

Paulino just didn't have it.&nbsp; Bad pitch after bad pitch.&nbsp; One way to look at it is: At least Cooper and his main man Valverde didn't get a chance to lose it.

Paulino just didn't have it.&nbsp; Bad pitch after bad pitch.&nbsp; One way to look at it is: At least Cooper and his main man Valverde didn't get a chance to lose it.

Giants brought their sticks tonight.&nbsp; However, it's just one loss whether it is by one run or many.&nbsp; Hoping the Giants didn't use up all their offense in this game.&nbsp; Go Giants!

Bee delay is one of the oddest and funniest things I've ever seen. Fortunately, no one was stung and they caught the bees safely for all involved.<br /><br />Admittely, I just got back from vacation and haven't seen the team play lately, so I don't have much to comment on. The story though was too funny to read - and at least something different than some of the more drivel we've read about the team. :)

......just when I thought I'd seen everything......a Bee Delay in San Diego....one hour delay until a beekeeper could be summoned to take care of business.....is this an omen for our new version of Killer B's?......Berkman, Bourn, Blum, all have had big games today.....hmmm......interesting.....

.....hello....is this thing on?.....hopefully, the problem is a few kinks that will get worked out....c'mon 'Stros, take this afternoon's game in SD and it will be 8 series out of 10....SF will be tough, we never play well up there....I think that is the only place thay RoyO has a losing record.....

This change makes me SICK! All my friends have been deleted. This is a nightmare.

hahahahahahahah. I am not laughin at you Stros. Hey you guys tried. I see it in your faces though. You cannot win with Bonehead,Little league managing. Why is Byrdak pitching in the Majors? He lost the game not Fulchino. Also Berkman made an era so what? They came right back. Sooner or later they are gonna quit trying McCain. I know I would. And your attendance will be nothing. Its almost that now.

Does anyone know why Bonehead let Berkman sit out last nights game? Must have been cause he was starting to get some hits and HR's. Coops really on top with his managing tonight too. If it didnt make me mad it would be really comical. Almost like T-Ball/Little League managing.

....Oswalt, Rodriguez, Ortiz, Moehler, and Paulino as starters.....Valverde, Sampson, Wright three main relievers....Felipe Paulino has a lot of upside, he needs time on the hill....strong, excellent stuff.....Backe and Hampton, as much as I like them, are done....Backe's speed has dropped 4-5 mph since his surgery last year...he'll probably recover some of that, but the mental part of the game eludes him....Hampton has been a trooper, but father time has caught up with him....I picked Wright in the bullpen 'cuz you gotta have a lefty....we just don't have a lot to pick from right now...and....there's not a lot on the farm.....

Hey trublu4life,<br /> Who would you pick to be in the starting rotation? Would you go with 4 or 5 pitchers and who would you pick as the top 2 closers and 3 middle relief pitchers? That could lead to some good discussion...

I've been incredibly busy myself. Everything in my life is changing. Sometimes I like it.<br /><br />Here are my thoughts on your comments:<br />1) Yes, those Astros are crasy like that.<br />2) If they hadn't lost the extra inning game to the Ranger they would have won that series. They are fighting.<br />3) Cooper is trying to intimidate to get his way. Player ARE playing better<br />4) I agree. And great minds think alike.<br />5) I agree. The good players always hit the ball to the weak spot.<br />6) I feel the same way. Bourn doesn't look so defensive at the plate. He KNOWS what he is doing now.<br />7) If the Twins play the Astros I will watch them.<br />8) I think Clemens is guilty as HELL and I STILL like him. (I actually tried drugs once but I didn't inhale. Okay I did inhale but I quit and I feel really healthy, sharp and energetic. I ran out yesterday; do you know where I can get some?)<br /><br />You know who I would like the Astros to get? Houston Street! Did I spell his name right? Let's get him and buy Roy a hay bailer and maybe we will move up the standings a little faster.<br /><br />You can email those inapproprate comments to me when you have time.

Sorry Steve, I've been busy with work and other activities. ;)<br /><br />Now, a few comments from what I've watched on the news and reading here:<br /><br />1. I've noticed that the Astros lately think that they must lose the first game each series. Don't know how far back this goes, but it's been several series' this year in a row. <br /><br />Now - as long as they win the matchup, it doesn't bother me, but it'd be nice to see them actually win the first game and sweep a matchup.<br /><br />2. I hope - if the Astros do play the Rangers again, they actually realize the team is good, but not THAT good, and win a series. I don't want the Rangers to get that big of a head - personally, I think it'd backfire on them harder than the Astros getting a "home field advantage" when the neutral site is 60 miles from the OPPONENT's hoemtown.<br /><br />3. Cooper - I think he's starting to try and take Berkman's record as far as getting ejected multiple times in a season. Why I'm making the comparison - I feel to a point the umpires, knowing that Cooper's got a short temper, bait him so they can kick him out. Sure felt that way with Berkman a while back - and I saw at least one case that could be seen as intentionally baiting (fortunately, Berkman didn't bite).<br /><br />Now - Disclaimer - This is just how I feel on the part: as long as referees are not actually doing that, it doesn't bother me. The team has its issues enough without the umpires stirring up the cow feedlot.<br /><br />4. Cooper again - Given his short temper toward the media, being ejected like twice in the same number of weeks and his poor season record this year, I AM surprised we haven't heard reports of any penalties being assessed toward him for misbehavior or rumors of him leaving. Right now, I feel that if any of his predecessors had done this - doubly with the record, they'd been fired.<br /><br />5. I know he doesn't run fast and we don't want an at least semi-hot bat injured, but I wish Lee would do something to make it where he didn't look like an easy base hit for an opponent. <br /><br />Even a non-player like me would be trying to aim for his area so I can get on base. It's almost as bad as Bourn telegraphing his stealing last year to where unless you were concussed or unconscious, you knew what he was going to do.<br /><br />6. Bourn is growing on me - he's hitting very well. He still is bad at telegraphing his steals, but that issue is lightening up. That's good.<br /><br />7. I would actually like to see the Twins play. I think they're one of a few teams I haven't seen play - though admittedly there are a few American League teams I haven't because Interleague just started a few years ago. ;)<br /><br />8. Tejada I feel is playing better ever since he's been penalized for perjury. Personally, I respect him more for paying his dues (even if I do feel a little lenient considering) for doing wrong than anyone who is denying he juiced (and there's proof - Clemens I'm neutral right now because I don't know). He doesn't have that albatross around his neck and that's helping.<br /><br />I have a few other comments, but they're based on things that aren't related to baseball - though they are sports - so I'm going to refrain. ;)

I was afraid someday I would become a Michael Bourn fan. Thank God it happened this fast. Looks a lot more confident at the plate. I think this guy might be the next (knock on wood) KILLER BEE!!!!! Ready to be a Russ Ortiz fan. <br /><br />HA! Told ya we'd come back and win the Twin's series.<br /><br />JADEWARLOCK! JADEWARLOCK! Please bless us with a comment or two?<br /><br />GO ASTROS!!!!

....the return of Wandy...hope it was just a three game slump...once again MBourn was the ignition for the offense...'Stros win 6th series out of 7.....I was too harsh on 'em a couple of posts ago....consistency is all you can ask for and that's what we're getting...

Good thing Coop left or Stros lose last night. They will win today if the Coop doesnt crew it up. Go Wandy!!! Also Bourne has developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in the league but needs to practice his bunting. He could get more RBI's and more hits if he could bunt. Don't let the Coop get you down Stros. Hang in there. Good second half on the way.

....salvaged one at Texas...why can't HPence hit with the bases loaded?...this year-5 AB's with the sacks full, 5 K's...perplexing.....Twins are gonna be tough...Is it me or has BBacke regressed?...I thought he had his control problems fixed....not.....still nibbles too much....RoyO tonight....Minn has a kid Kevin Slowery going...he's 9-2...where do they keep finding talent?....why can't we find any?...who runs the scouting department, Matt Millen?....

It may be lack of confidence against the Rangers. They will bounce back. Hope they avoid the sweep.<br /><br />We took the series against the Cubs so I know we won't back down. I bet we do well agaist the Twins. If we don't string together a bunch of wins, it will be a slow process by just winning 4 out of 5 series. We do have plenty of time left.