855 replies to this topic

[1970]

I see they named Tony DeFrancesco as the interim manager.

I guess many of you have no idea who Tony D is, but I'll tell you how I know who he is. A couple of years ago when the Orioles appeared to be on the verge of dumping Dave Trembley SG started a message board campaign to get the Orioles to hire DeFrancesco (he was with the A's at the time). Even though I know little to nothing about DeFrancesco I'm happy to see him get his chance. Hopefully he'll do SG proud (even though with that roster he better get a shot past this season and next).

[Oriole85]

The game has changed, but after seeing the '88 and '89 O's, I do believe that type of roster turnover is possible.

Are you saying it's likely that 22 out of the 25 currently on this team won't be on the Opening Day roster?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Are you saying it's likely that 22 out of the 25 currently on this team won't be on the Opening Day roster?

No, don't know their roster or system will enough. Logically though there will be major turnover, and that turnover is easier to accomplish on a team that bottoms out.

Additionally Houston is the 4th largest city in the Country, the team is moving to the AL, and it is also a franchise that has been competitive for the most of the last two decades. Will be a lot of internal pressure to roll over the roster and give the fanbase new hope.

[Oriole85]

No, don't know their roster or system will enough. Logically though there will be major turnover, and that turnover is easier to accomplish on a team that bottoms out.

Additionally Houston is the 4th largest city in the Country, the team is moving to the AL, and it is also a franchise that has been competitive for the most of the last two decades. Will be a lot of internal pressure to roll over the roster and give the fanbase new hope.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying in the last paragraph.

I think there will be significant turnover, but it's just not realistic IMO to replace virtually the entire roster overnight on most sports teams.

That's why the manager or head coach always gets the boot instead of the players since they are a lot easier/cheaper to replace. Finding a sports talent is harder than finding management to do those jobs.

[Oriole85]

ESPN: Astros Open to Roger Clemens return

http://espn.go.com/m...s-owner-open-it

Not expecting it all, and this would be a publicity stunt for a rebuilding team.

[DJ MC]

http://nbcsports.msn...om/id/48792128/

3 1/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K

For the record, assuming Clemens:

1) Continues pitching for Sugar Land (the Astros and Royals had scouts at the game, and he's obviously looking for a contract)

2) Pitches in a regular five-man rotation (I don't know how the rotations work in the Atlantic League)

3) Pitches in road games (he had arrangements to only pitch at home with MAJOR league teams, so I can't imagine it would be otherwise for the Skeeters)

...he would be set to pitch against the Revolution in York on September 5. Not that I'm counting or anything.

*Runs off to check tickets again*

[Mark Carver]

ESPN: Astros Open to Roger Clemens return

http://espn.go.com/m...s-owner-open-it

Not expecting it all, and this would be a publicity stunt for a rebuilding team.

I'm a believing that Clemens will sign with the Astros, thus delaying his eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Of which he was to be voted on this year. Doubtful he goes in this year if he is voted on....

[Nuclear Dish]

I'm a believing that Clemens will sign with the Astros, thus delaying his eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Of which he was to be voted on this year. Doubtful he goes in this year if he is voted on....

I agree with this completely. It's a stroke of genius. All he needs to do is pitch even to one batter, and he's pushed off the voting for another 5 years. And that means that he isn't the test case for the steroids-era sure thing HOFer, Bonds is after next season.

He's gambling that 5 more years of perspective will give him a better chance at induction, and I think he's 100% right.

[RShack]

Thanks to Bud, the AL traded the Brewers for the Astros.

If there's any ML franchise less noteworthy than the Astro's, I can't think of who it is...

[DJ MC]

Thanks to Bud, the AL traded the Brewers for the Astros.

If there's any ML franchise less noteworthy than the Astro's, I can't think of who it is...

The Brewers.

[Chris B]

Thanks to Bud, the AL traded the Brewers for the Astros.

If there's any ML franchise less noteworthy than the Astro's, I can't think of who it is...

If we're going beyond baseball, it's the NHL's Florida Panthers.

[Oriole85]

I agree with this completely. It's a stroke of genius. All he needs to do is pitch even to one batter, and he's pushed off the voting for another 5 years. And that means that he isn't the test case for the steroids-era sure thing HOFer, Bonds is after next season.

He's gambling that 5 more years of perspective will give him a better chance at induction, and I think he's 100% right.

I just don't like this, how is it anything more than publicity stunt? Unless the Astros are planning on bringing him back next year... OK. But even the, how does having 50+ year old pitcher fit into their long-term plans? It's taking away a spot from someone who actually be a part of the future.

[Oriole85]

If we're going beyond baseball, it's the NHL's Florida Panthers.

The NFL's version would be the Jaguars?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Prospectus: Goodbye to the Internet
http://www.baseballp...articleid=18207

Kevin Goldstein, hired by the Astros, pens his goodbye. We talked about this some in a game thread over the weekend. I think this is a great progressive move for Houston.

[SportsGuy]

Baseball Prospectus: Goodbye to the Internet
http://www.baseballp...articleid=18207

Kevin Goldstein, hired by the Astros, pens his goodbye. We talked about this some in a game thread over the weekend. I think this is a great progressive move for Houston.

Is this the same job Law was up for?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Is this the same job Law was up for?

I believe so.

[SportsGuy]

I believe so.

Coincidence that they were going after 2 media members or are they trying something different and looking outside the box?

[BobPhelan]

It'll suck to lose his podcast but good for KG. It'll be interesting to see how he does in the role.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Coincidence that they were going after 2 media members or are they trying something different and looking outside the box?

No coincidence. They previously hired Mike Fast from BP as well.

http://www.cbssports...-the-real-story

"Months after Luhnow tried to lure Keith Law from ESPN and hired Mike Fast from Baseball Prospectus, the new name being heard is Kevin Goldstein, also from Baseball Prospectus. (Luhnow called Goldstein "very well thought-of" while declining to say whether he's joining the Astros; Goldstein, known for extensive prospect reviews and clever, sometimes sassy tweets, responded "no comment" via a direct message on Twitter.)

"We want people who are going to share our vision," Luhnow said. "It doesn't necessarily need to be a traditional-looking person. We're going to be open-minded."

[Oriole85]

ESPN: Astros: Roger Clemens still in '12 mix

http://espn.go.com/m...ch-houston-year

Good for publicity purposes but really think this should be vetoed by Selig. Why not use someone who may actually help you contribute in the future?