I admit I’ve been talking **** these past few days about how PWillie is not worth his salary…

This still may be true.

But at least tonight he was good for something: He broke up the no-hitter in the bottom of the eighth inning with one out, singling to right. 

On behalf of Astros fans everywhere, may I just say: Thanks be to GOD.

It’s the bottom of the 7th at Minute Maid Park, and the Cubs’ Carlos Zambrano is still throwing a no-hitter against the Astros.

To add to the indignity, Zambrano also has 4 RBIs tonight, 3 of which came on a home run in the 2nd inning.

…through 4 innings…

Yes, I’m blatantly calling attention to it, in hopes that it will not come to pass.

I keep wondering where rock bottom is. Perhaps being on the losing end of a perfect game could be rock bottom?

Wandy Rodriguez, leaving in the second inning. And it was all downhill from there. Enough said.

Well, hopefully there’s no place like home… Heading back to Minute Maid Park, the Astros are exhausted. They’re humbled. This has been a dismal road trip with lots of "heartbreak losses" (Andy Pettitte’s words), including three extra-inning games (two of which they lost). The offense, namely Morgan Ensberg, Adam Everett and Jason Lane, seemed to enter into some kind of unspoken pact to tank all at the same time (why, WHY, does Mo insist on changing his stance every at bat when he’s slumping? I think he may be the king of overthinking…), the starting pitching was shaky at best, and (hopefully) minor injuries to key players were the order of the day. Lance Berkman struggled with a sore hamstring and then a hyperextended (surgically repaired) right knee, and Roy Oswalt left Monday’s game against the Cardinals (where he was dominant through six) with tightness in his hamstring.

Today’s 11-inning loss to the Cardinals was a particularly hard one to swallow for me, as Mike Gallo (who entered the game with it tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 11th) was in trouble from the beginning of his outing, the writing was on the wall (especially after his wild pitch on an intentional walk in Saturday’s 18-inning debacle brought the winning run to third), and the game ended with a walkoff single by So Taguchi while Brad Lidge was just sitting in the bullpen waiting to be called upon. Garner said Lidge would have been brought in had the Astros taken the lead and that the game was Gallo’s to win or lose at that point. Generally, whether or not I agree with Garner, I can at least understand the rationale behind his moves (or lack thereof). Today, however, it was totally incomprehensible to me. By leaving Gallo in, at least by leaving him in after he hit David Eckstein to load the bases, Garner conceded the game. Period.

Closing thought: I’d like to thank Rafael at Space Race for being so dilligent in keeping us informed and updated on the details of the Roger Clemens signing today. It has certainly been a big day for the Houston Astros and Astros fans everywhere.

I didn’t know how I would feel about it until it became official (Thanks, Rafael-I heard it from you first. You are currently my favorite person on the planet). I mean, I knew I’d be thrilled, of course. I knew in the deepest recesses of my heart that it was important–crucial, even–that we resign Rocket. What I didn’t expect was to shed tears in public. Which is what I’m doing right now. I’m crying in Starbucks. Unbalanced? Yes, yes, I’m sure that’s true. But here’s the thing. Having Rocket on the team means so much more than having an ace (one of the greatest aces in the history of the game) in the starting rotation. It means more than having a  nearly-guaranteed quality start every fifth day, which admittedly the Astros sorely need. It means more than being able to send our fifth starter to a tired and overextended bullpen for some much-needed long relief. It means having the physical embodiment of committment, passion, intensity and sheer will on our side. It means that in his mind, there is unfinished business. It means that he believes the Astros have a fighting chance and that he won’t rest until every veteran, every rookie, every journeyman relief pitcher, coach, trainer, massage therapist and groundscrew member believes it too. It never fails to give me chills when he steps onto the mound.

The times that stand out in my mind: Clemens weeping after the heartwrenching end of the 2004 playoffs. Clemens pitching the day his mother passed away. And the one that never fails to bring tears to my eyes: Clemens walking out to the bullpen during Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Minute Maid Park, that epic 18-inning battle against the Atlanta Braves. Clemens sitting out in the bullpen, alone. Clemens coming into that game and pitching three scoreless innings in relief, his first relief appearance since he was a 21-year old rookie with the Boston Red Sox. Reporters swarming Clemens at the end of that epic game, and him actually picking up Chris Burke (the rookie who hit the walkoff homer), putting him in front of reporters, and saying "How about the kid?" and walking away, letting Chris Burke take the moment in the spotlight. This is the Rocket I love. This is the Rocket I celebrate. Can we win with him? I’m sure I don’t know. We’ve come so heartbreakingly close the past two seasons. But I’m pretty certain we can’t win without him. As Josh on my favorite discussion board aptly and succinctly put it, Houston, the swagger is back. A-freaking-MEN.

Hello, Folks. Or perhaps just "folk." Perhaps "folks" is presumptuous? Anyways. This is the second time I’ve liveblogged during a game, the first time I’ve done it with a "partner" from the opposing team. Rachel, the rabid Cardinals and Yadir Molina fan over at Red Bird Ramblings, will be liveblogging for the Astros’ nemesis and opposing team, the St. Louis Cardinals. I am taking a page from the experienced Red Sox Chick’s liveblogging format: This will be one long post and you will have to scroll down to read the most recent thoughts. The game starts in 12 minutes, I’ve had my Chinese takeout and am about to pop open a Molson Canadian in preparation. One needs a beer handy these days if one is going to watch the Astros, because they are really tanking. There’s no other way to describe it. They have been playing some UGLY baseball (with the possible exception of the last two innings of Sunday’s rather dramatic come-from-behind win against the Pirates). There’s really no other way to describe it. Except for perhaps "cr@ptastic." This is my new favorite word. It means the opposite of fantastic. The Astros have been playing cr@ptastic baseball over the last 20 games or so, and they’ve had some bad breaks (Lance Berkman out for a few games with a sore hamstring, then out for a few more due to a hyperextended right knee; Roy Oswalt leaving the game yesterday with a bad hamstring; etc. etc. The list could go on) and some bad calls to go along with it. I’m really hoping they can turn it around soon, because it’s been pretty agonizing to watch. And of course, playing the Cardinals is not making it any easier. But my cable is fixed, I have a beer in hand, and I’m psyched to do some liveblogging. Comments are welcome–keep Rachel and I company!!

8:09: Back to the standard ‘Stros lineup. No "Garner Specials" tonight.

8:10: I like Anthony Reyes’ high socks with the stripes. Old school, and thumbs up for that.

8:11: I have not done my homework. I don’t know anything about Anthony Reyes.

8:11: I do not know how Willy T just got that ball. Down, away, and out of the strike zone. Slapped to right field for a double… I have loved his approach at the plate this season. He’s been taking more pitches, been more patient, not trying to bunt his way on so much. He’s evolving, both offensively and defensively, into a solid player.

8:14: Nice to see Lance back in the lineup… I was worried that the hyperextended right knee (the surgically repaired one) might be more serious than they initially thought.

8:15: Guess not!! Berkman drives the ball to center and Willy T scores… 1-0 ‘Stros. Early offense! Something we have SORELY lacked over the past few weeks…

8:18: Morgan strikes out. That was a good pitch. Mo’s swing, UG-LY.

8:19: Come on, Preston. Let’s try to do SOMETHING resembling ANYTHING positive with runners in scoring position. The strikeout KING… Especially with runners on base.

8:20: Yeah, not so much.

8:24: Which Andy will show up tonight? Good Andy? Or Cursed Andy?

8:26: Andy vs. Albert (aka God). Act I.

8:27: Jeez, even his outs are scary. Long, noisy fly ball to center. Willy T caught it just on the edge of the warning track. Andy looking like Good Andy tonight… 3 quick outs. Very little drama.

8:31: I am still wondering who has replaced normal Brad Ausmus with SuperBrad. He is 37 years old, and he just learned how to hit. I keep waiting for him to level out… a career .257 hitter, he’s currently batting .303 with a .395 OBP.

8:32: Did you have to go down that quietly, guys? Good lord… Let’s make this guy work a little.

8:35: I really hate Scott Rolen. I can’t help it. Not a bad pitch by Andy, but Rolen went down and got a leadoff double…

8:36: The Cardinals announcers are fascinated with Biggio–they are watching him in a little box in the corner of the screen while the Cardinals are batting, and laughing at how he plays like a Little Leaguer–he talks to himself the whole time… He’s totally irresistable in my opinion

8:39: WHERE WAS THAT????

8:40: NASTY, Andy. That was NASTY. Big K against So Taguchi, who had a good at bat and worked the count to 3-2…

8:42: *$%*&!!!!

8:43: That was a cutter out of the strikezone, a good pitch, Molina just went down and got it and muscled it into right. Jeez. Tied, 1-1.

8:46: Andy’s been trying to take the pride back with his hitting for a while now… Now would be a good time to help the cause…

8:47: Or not.

8:48: Still waiting for elusive #624 by Bidge. He’s been slumping mightily…

8:49: Reyes irons the bill of his cap to make it flat and straight and old school. How quirky.

8:49: Dude. Biggio Ks. I can’t wait for them to get back to Minute Maid…

8:54: Okay, liking the double plays.

8:55: NO NO NO. Luna bunts his way on… Just in time for: Andy vs. God Act II

8:57: Andy 2, God 0. So far, so good… Andy’s a man on a mission tonight.

9:00: Reyes is looking entirely too comfortable for my taste right now…

9:02: Since no one is on base, maybe Preston will actually get a hit

9:04: Did I just see Preston Wilson work a walk? Is the apocalypse upon us? I will have to re-evaluate my life, my notions of right and wrong, up and down, good and bad…

9:05: Wow. Reyes just gets better when people are on base… He just took The Burkelet to school. How humbling.

9:08: !*%$!*$!*&^

9:10: Did that really just happen? Are you kidding me? I need a drink. A strong one. Heading to the kitchen to fetch a spoon, where I will scoop out my heart, throw it on the floor, and stomp on it in an attempt to emulate what the Astros have done to me the last few weeks.

9:16: It’s a good thing Adam Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the majors. Because I’m about out of patience with his hitting… I love the guy, but he’s KILLING me…

9:18: And another easy 1-2-3 inning for Reyes…

9:18 (cont’d): The Budweiser commercials, you know the ones, where George Clooney does the voiceover, and uses words like "smooth" and "rich," make my whole day. Sad, yes, but true. That man’s voice could make a cat purr.

9:21: Eckstein. I’m not popular with my discussion board with this one, but I really like Eckstein. He has no business being in the majors, he’s little and awkward, and it’s just by sheer guts and will and hard work that he’s made it. That, to me, is what baseball is about.

9:23: Oh God. Andy vs. God, Act III.

9:24: Mound meeting. A long one. Right now, Andy is saying I’m going to go after Albert. Garner and Ausmus are saying, Maybe not such a good idea but we’ll defer to you. Oh thank God. Andy lost the argument. Intentional walk to God. Good move. Except that now he has to face Rolen, who is 2-2.

9:26: Andy gets Rolen to pop out. Now I don’t know what the score is. Is an intentional walk a victory for God? Perhaps it depends on what the hitter behind him does? I’m keeping the score at Andy 2, God 0. As in stats, the BB doesn’t count as an at bat. It’s my blog and I can do what I want…

9:30: BIDGE’s CAREER DOUBLE #624!!!! TIES HANK AARON FOR NINTH ON THE ALL-TIME CAREER DOUBLES LIST!!!

9:34: Come on, Mo. Let’s get him home. Do NOT over think this. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT. Just hit like you know how to hit. Come on.

9:36: ARGH… Excuse me while I beat my head repeatedly against the arm of my futon.

9:40: OHHHHHH, nasty, ANDY! K to So Taguchi, who thought he had a walk. Other than the two back-to-back mistakes to Rolen and Encarnacion (wince, sigh, rolling of eyes), Andy looks really good.

9:46: Preston Wilson strikes out. All is right with the world once again.

9:48: The BURKELET. There you go, kiddo. A 1-out double to right field.

9:49: Come on, Bradley. Okay, way to watch. Of course, it’s fine for Reyes to pitch around Brad because of the embodiment of the human slump (bless his heart) who bats AFTER Ausmus.

9:50: WonderBrad!

9:51: A well-deserved standing ovation for Reyes, who is done for the night. He has looked truly superb. He can really bring it.

9:54: Very interesting: Wingnut (Everett) is out. Pinch-hitting the leftie Mike Lamb… Shows you how invested Garner is in

9:55: YEAH, Lamb!! Well, that paid off, in the short run, at least. Lamb singles, Burke scores, 3-2 Cards. This, I don’t necessarily like. Andy is done for the night. Palmeiro pinch hitting for Pettitte. This could seriously backfire. Our bullpen is overextended and exhausted. I’ve got to question this move. Come on, OPIE.

9:57: CUE THE CHOIRS OF ANGELS–do you hear them??–a sweet sound!!! The Astros have caught a BREAK. 4-3 Stros.

10:00: Come on, Craig, let’s do this. Way to work the count. Come on, honey.

10:01: BIDGE gets the Mighty Mouse award for today’s liveblogging: TWO-RUN HOMER TO LEFT!!!! I am giving him a standing ovation in my living room. My neighbor probably thinks I’m nuts. 6-3 Houston!

10:10: I find the way John Rodriguez waggles his whole body back and forth with his bat on his shoulder annoying and disconcerting.

10:11: Strikeout for Springer. So far so good… Russ’s curveball is working nicely tonight. I am really partial to the 12-6 curve. Roy O does it best, I think. Taylor Buchholz has a nice one too.

10:12: It’s Eckstein time. He’s 0-3 tonight… As the Cards’ announcers mentioned, you rarely say "O ‘fer" when talking about Eckstein. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is one of those rare times…

10:13: Saved by Willy T. Still o-fer for Eckstein.

10:16: Braden Looper. On my permanent Sh** List for plunking Biggio when he was closing for the Mets on the arm. Bidge’s arm swelled up like a watermelon within like 30 seconds, the Mets fans booed him for some unfathomable reason, and then he stayed in the game, with his arm all swollen like a beachball, and he stole a base. To be fair, I don’t think Looper meant to hit him, but I was sufficiently traumatized.

10:17: Woe is Mo.

10:19: Well, Preston, at least you made contact, darlin. That’s something, I guess.

10:24: Wheeler vs. God. At least no one is on base.

10:25: Holding God to a single is not exactly a victory… but you know. It’s better than the alternative. Come on, Dan Wheeler. Don’t lose your focus. Don’t worry about Pujols on first, worry about Rolen at the plate.

10:26: Rolen, again. *&!%$!*

10:27: As I said Kevin, I never rest easy with the Astros…

10:29: Glad I popped open the second Molson.

10:29 (cont’d): NICE

10:30: Good pitching by Wheels, getting the ground ball to third, Pujols was off on contact and Mo’s throw home beat him easily.

10:30 (cont’d): Come on, Dan Wheeler. Where’s the pride, buddy? You are so good. Let’s get that ERA down. SWEET pitch for strike two. Come on, Wheels. SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET

10:32: Dan Wheeler, with his perpetually mournful aspect, gets out of a jam. That’s what’s supposed to happen. It hasn’t happened enough this season.

10:37: Jason Lane in to pinch hit. Hitting .196. I believe in my deepest heart of hearts that Jason Lane is going to be good. He thinks too much, he worries too much. Phil Garner calls him a "worry wart." If he’d stop overthinking, I really think he has a ton of potential. It’s kind of interesting to me that Garner has stuck with Preston Wilson through his slump while Jason’s starting job has been revoked.

10:42: Lidge in to close it out. After seeing him this weekend (in person) against the Pirates, I really believe (please don’t prove me wrong, Brad) that he’s back. His slider looked so sharp, and he was locating his fastball a lot better, in three consecutive games, including two innings in the never-ending 18-inning debacle on Saturday night. I’m really proud of him.

10:46: LIGHTS OUT, BABY. THAT’s the way to get ‘er done.

10:49: Courtesy of my super-fabulous discussion board, I bring a victory graphic (part of one). From the old Astrodome.

10:51: Well, they’ve still got a long way to go, but this is a positive step. I’m really proud of them stepping it up like this.

Thanks to Rachel over at Redbird Ramblings for liveblogging with me, and to all of you (Rachel, of course, and Kevin, Joe, Rafael and Kaylee) for commenting and keeping me company! I’m looking forward to doing this again soon…

An afternoon game tomorrow… So until then…

 

This is what I was afraid of… No Rocket for us. At least not yet.

I am on my way to my kitchen to cut out my own heart with a spoon.

The rumors are flying: Jason and Rafael are reporting that the Rocket has re-signed with Houston. I want to shout with elation from the rooftops, but I am fearful that the reports are premature, that once I arrive upon the rooftop to shout from it, I will find out that it is all just a rumor, and I will end up throwing myself off the roof instead. Just kidding. But I think for all the bravado and chest-thumping some Houston fans have done (we don’t need him, we have the much-touted Kiddie Corps, etc.) this move is absolutely crucial for the (currently struggling) Astros to return to the post-season. I will write more about this later, should it materialize… I wait with baited breath.

Folks, stay tuned for tonight’s liveblogging match-up between myself and Rachel at Rachel’s Redbird Ramblings: The second game of a three game series between the Astros and the Cardinals at St. Louis. Astros lost yesterday in a most disappointing but not entirely unpredictable fashion (offense failed to show up, again, Pujols homered against Astros reliever–does it even matter which one?–to put the Cards up for good). It’s up to Andy Pettitte to get the pride back. My cable is working again, and I’m excited. Be sure to check us out. 

Physically, I made it back to the hotel tonight, but my crushed spirit is lying somewhere among the peanut shells and empty plastic beer cups at PNC Park here in Pittsburgh, where I have borne a solitary witness to two consecutive Astros losses. And I fear a third is forthcoming, since losing a game like tonight’s would at least temporarily break the back of any team, much less one that is scuffling and struggling like the Astros have been over the past three weeks or so.

The longest game in PNC Park’s brief history, and I was there to
experience every agonizing pitch of it. I moved down to a seat two rows
above the Astros dugout in the tenth inning when the first big wave of
folks left the park and was trying to talk them through every pitch and
every at bat, but alas, ultimately to no avail. My mother said that she couldn’t see me on television but she could hear me. I need a bucket of ice for my throat; I’m afraid, however, there’s nothing that can act as a balm for my aching heart.

But I’ll be back in the ballpark in ten hours all the same. Rooting for the good guys. If they can be back out there, so can I. We will work through this together, I feel sure. Although I think the Astros organization should pay for my psychiatrist when all is said and done.

(Pictures to follow in a couple of days. My kingdom for a digital camera.)