Houston Astros @ Colorado Rockies GameThread, Sep 6, 2008 6:05 PM MDT

Game #143: Francis vs. Oswalt

by Rox Girl on Sep 6, 2008 4:59 PM MDT Comment 68 comments

Houston Astros @ Colorado Rockies

The Rockies need this one to get within 4.5 games with the Dodgers winning again today (if they can ever get this last out). At this point Los Angeles is looking to be a more serious challenge to overcome than Arizona, and we'll likely need some unexpected luck to turn against tehm in their remaining schedule to complete the job. If San Diego and San Francisco can step up as spoilers with their hated rival, I certainly won't mind.

As for tonight, Jeff Francis has been a steady hand in his last four starts, and since returning from the DL has been the pitcher we were expecting to show up in April. Given the stress he caused Rockies fans early in the season, I think he owes us a few more like his last four between now and the end of the year.

Lineup

Houston Astros @ Colorado Rockies

09/06/08 6:05 PM MDT

Houston Astros	Colorado Rockies
Ty Wigginton - LF	Clint Barmes - 2B
Mark Loretta - 2B	Willy Taveras - CF
Miguel Tejada - SS	Matt Holliday - LF
Lance Berkman - 1B	Brad Hawpe - RF
Hunter Pence - RF	Garrett Atkins - 1B
Jose Castillo - 3B	Ian Stewart - 3B
Reggie Abercrombie - CF	Chris Iannetta - C
Brad Ausmus - C	Troy Tulowitzki - SS
Roy Oswalt - P	Jeff Francis - P

Go Rockies!

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Comments

Wiggington

Already replaced in LF. What happened?

Is it 2007 all over again?

by rockiesfan4ever on Sep 6, 2008 6:16 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Nvm looked at the HOU site

Hurt his hammy

Is it 2007 all over again?

by rockiesfan4ever on Sep 6, 2008 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nine pitch first inning...

On my list of things that will never happen: one of these days I’d like to see Hurdle construct a lineup with some patient hitters near the top.

by Rox Girl on Sep 6, 2008 6:19 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

They'd be patient,

if they were coached to be patient.

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 6:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

They'd be more patient

If Oswalt wasn’t throwing beans in the zone every pitch.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 6, 2008 6:42 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

My disdain for first pitch swinging

has waned a lot watching so much ManRam here in LA. He crushes so many of those first-pitch fastballs so many pitchers try to use to get ahead. Obviously, there is much to be said for being patient. But also much to be said for swinging at hittable pitches, regardless of the count.

by Teekalong on Sep 6, 2008 7:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was Vinny's stock in trade

First pitch dead red…minus humidor, of course

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 6, 2008 7:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't mind Holliday doing it...

It’s guys like Barmes and Taveras that can’t back it up that drive me mad.

by Rox Girl on Sep 6, 2008 7:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's usually not good,

when you’re so aggressive that the starter is averaging 10 pitches an inning.

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:11 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anybody there...?

Anybody Care……?

Who can name that quote?

Is it 2007 all over again?

by rockiesfan4ever on Sep 6, 2008 6:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Fortunate on that Loretta hit

Still, Francis is looking shart as a tack. If you haven’t gotten to Coors by now, just stay home. At this rate, the game will be over before you park.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 6, 2008 6:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

very nice

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

I can’t believe Jeff got out of that. Let’s get some runs.

by Rox Girl on Sep 6, 2008 7:04 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

yes,

the Row should give him a standing O for that

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

There will be no no-no tonight

Hopefully we get a run now?

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 6, 2008 7:07 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

CDI CDI

takin’ it for the team

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 6, 2008 7:11 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

for the 13th time this year

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

FAIL

that is all

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Sep 6, 2008 7:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

baby steps...

At least we got baserunners.

by Rox Girl on Sep 6, 2008 7:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh dear

Com on Jeff, just one more out.

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 7:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

and no

for the part of the order most likely to score runs. 9-1-2.
They usually get it done once a day though.

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 7:29 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

pitch count at 94

will Jeff make it through the next inning?

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:30 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

let's go Matt

time to end the slump

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:33 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

3 batters

we give away 2 outs. I fail to comprehend why Jeff was batting (he’s toast).

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 7:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

who's injured?

Oswalt?

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 7:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

so,

Oswalt is having blister or nail problems…a little patience early and he’s probably out of the game by now

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:38 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

he also wouldn't be on first

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

WHY IS FRANCIS STILL OUT THERE?

No seriously….. WHY? Why is Hurdle ALWAYS the last one to swipe his get-a-clue card?

That was on Barmes, but still. Francis is clearly toast, he gave up 4 hits/2 runs in the last inning and was already approaching 100 pitches. WHY?!

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 7:40 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm as baffled as you

See my post above. This is also yet another example of the execution DOD was referring to in yesterday’s Post.

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 7:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gee

It’s not like Arizona lost again and we could afford to win or anything. Lawdy. This is why this team being talked about as a contender this year is just a total pipe dream.

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 7:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

be nice,

you’re going to miss the Rox while you’re watching some cricket match next year

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:52 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I shan't deny that

which means I need to get all my righteous vitriol out now.

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 7:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure

more than one poor cricket player will feel the wrath of Silverblood

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is actually a baseball team in Oxford

(see here). But I am afraid that my peculiar brand of American fanaticism over this particular sport might be too much for the Brits, who are only used to people getting that worked up over “football.”

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 7:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess the Ashes are on next year over there

But for the prices they’ll charge for tickets it really won’t be worth it.

Maybe a county Twenty20 game would be worth seeing.

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 7:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

...

I didn’t necessarily have a problem with Francis staying out there another inning, at least to start. But only if his spot in the lineup hadn’t come up in the bottom of the 6th. Had we been ahead at that point, okay. But down two runs he shouldn’t have been at the plate.

by holly96 on Sep 6, 2008 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's clearly

an attempt by Clint to get poster to use vulgarity on the Row

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 7:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good work, Gas Can

Got out of that mess!

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 7:49 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Well,

at least we got out of that.

by dogs on Sep 6, 2008 7:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

68 pitches through 7 innings for Oswalt?!

Real nice work there, guys. Real nice…

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 7:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Oswalt

I think in this case you have to give more credit to Oswalt than blame to the Rockies (though certainly there’s some of that, too—I’m not sure exactly how the ratio would break down).

by holly96 on Sep 6, 2008 7:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rockies signature inning

Absolutely no patience at the plate. Yech.

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 7:56 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

TAR HEEL TOUGH!

Love that CDI!!!!

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 8:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

And yet

He STILL manages to get out on one pitch, just like everyone else…..

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 8:08 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

Awful, ain’t it?

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 8:10 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoa...

Nice job Iannetta. That was a hard hit.

by dogs on Sep 6, 2008 8:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

If that play at the plate doesn’t fire them up, nothing will.

by MADness on Sep 6, 2008 8:06 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Apparently,

Nothing will.

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 8:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does this face look surprised to you?

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 8:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kind of hard to tell. . . .

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:18 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can I take over as pessimist

When you leave?

Is it 2007 all over again?

by rockiesfan4ever on Sep 6, 2008 8:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

It’s an important job, after all. Not everyone can be so ridiculously bouncy and always see sunshine and unicorns and roses. Pah. I disdain you and your silly running-around knees bent advancing behavior.

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 8:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jeez

Poor Iannetta has to bat right after getting his bell rung.

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 8:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Yay

Baserunner.

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 8:10 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

1 pitch

Again. and again. and again. Sickening.

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 8:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Seth, where has the magic gone?

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:12 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Pathetic

Is it 2007 all over again?

by rockiesfan4ever on Sep 6, 2008 8:13 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

From 0-2 to 3-2

. . .

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:22 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

. . . to a single.

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:23 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Three outs left.

I’d say use them effectively, but you know. . . .

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:25 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

We need Q

the Walk off man.

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 8:26 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

What we need is

men on base.

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:29 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah Willy

5 pitches

by 4thturn on Sep 6, 2008 8:28 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Ummm

Suddenly they start taking pitches and working the count when they’re, ya know, DOWN TO THEIR LAST THREE OUTS?

Idiots.

Purple Row's resident entertaining pessimistic asshole. Somehow the incarnation of crusty goo. Is this a good thing? Who knows.

by Silverblood on Sep 6, 2008 8:35 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Oswalt

gets the complete game shutout. Just peachy.

"Keep your head down, and inch toward daylight." - Blade of Tyshalle

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!

by Russ on Sep 6, 2008 8:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

a one hitter

lame.

5 baserunners and two them were hit.

by KindredSprites on Sep 6, 2008 8:41 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Story of our season

Everytime we’ve really need a break-through win to get some major momentum going, the offense has a dud game.

by DeepPurple on Sep 6, 2008 8:44 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

This team

is unmotivated, and totally uninspired. And have played that way all year. It seems almost like they expect to be magical again, but have forgotten the type of play that ignited last year’s run. Sad, sad, sad.

Put me out of my misery. Please!

by rockhead on Sep 6, 2008 8:46 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs