THE ASTROS DAILY Archive - new stories and columns you may have missed

Sports sections in MLB cities:

Houston Chronicle
Arizona Republic
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Tribune
Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Post

Cleveland Plain Dealer
Colorado - Denver Post
Detroit Free Press
Florida - Miami Herald
Kansas City Star
Los Angeles Times
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Minnesota Star-Tribune
Montreal Gazette
New York Post
New York Times
Philadelphia Inquirer
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

San Diego Union-Tribune
San Francisco Gate
Seattle Times
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Texas - Dallas Morning News
Toronto Star

Index of Past Columns

Is Chris Johnson All That Bad?

added 05/12/2012 by Bob Hulsey
The Astros' third sacker gets a bad reputation among netizens. Is it fair?

Read the full column

Draft Day Musings

added 04/26/2012 by Bob Hulsey
A Texans draft plus a day off provides time to reflect.

Read the full column

The 1966 World Champion Astros

added 04/18/2012 by Bob Hulsey
Computer simulation games can help fans weather bad real-life seasons.

Read the full column

How Crane Can Be A Houston Hero

added 04/11/2012 by Bob Hulsey
The new Houston owner can turn a public relations nightmare into a public relations triumph.

Read the full column

A Response To Jared

added 04/08/2012 by Dennis Condu
One Astros fan replies to last week's guest column.

Read the full column

Leaving Astros Not So Easy

added 04/03/2012 by Jared Bargas
Guest columnist Jared Bargas is done rooting for the Astros but he still can't stop looking in.

Read the full column

Spring Flings

added 03/26/2012 by Bob Hulsey
Some spring success leads to questions about the upcoming season.

Read the full column

Trade Opens Roster Spots

added 03/21/2012 by Bob Hulsey
The deal with Kansas City clarifies some roster decisions for the Astros. Or does it?

Read the full column

How They See the Game (Part 2)

added 03/18/2012 by Darrell Pittman
James Hays Quarles of the Houston Daily Post finishes his contemporary description of the 'fan experience' afforded by the 1896 Houston Buffaloes.

Read the full column

One Fan Who Made A Difference

added 03/10/2012 by Bob Hulsey
One baseball fan teaches everyone a lesson.

Read the full column

Myers Joins The Pen

added 03/04/2012 by Bob Hulsey
How much of a gamble is it for the Astros to take one of their top starting pitchers and switch them to the closer role?

Read the full column

How They See the Game (Part 1)

added 02/19/2012 by Darrell Pittman
As Houston prepares to take in its final season of professional baseball, James Hays Quarles of The Houston Daily Post gives us a contemporary glimpse of one of its earliest: 1896.

Read the full column

Guns Not Welcome At Minute Maid

added 02/14/2012 by Bob Hulsey
Something will be missing from the 50th anniversary festivities this season - sartorial accuracy.

Read the full column

Rotation Rotation

added 02/07/2012 by Bob Hulsey
If the Astros want any credibility this year, they should keep their pitchers.

Read the full column

Dear Jim, Please Kill The Astros

added 01/26/2012 by Bob Hulsey
Should the "Astros" die with their league affiliation?

Read the full column

The Outfield Jumble

added 01/23/2012 by Bob Hulsey
Who'll be in the Astros outfield on Opening Day? Nobody for certain.

Read the full column

Bagwell, Biggio and Life's Journey

added 01/16/2012 by Bob Hulsey
Since Bob's on the subject of the two former stars, there's something else he wants to say.

Read the full column

Can Slide Rules Overcome Slugging?

added 01/09/2012 by Bob Hulsey
The new regime chooses brains over Braun.

Read the full column

When Will Baggy Get The Hall Call?

added 01/04/2012 by Willie B. Lakey
Willie Lakey tries to make sense out of baseball writers and their eccentric Hall of Fame voting habits.

Read the full column

Built To Lose

added 12/16/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Was it necessary to blow up the Astros this completely?

Read the full column

How A Meaningless Game Mattered

added 12/12/2011 by Seth Bracken
Lost in a dreadful season was an important milestone for two Astros rookies.

Read the full column

Longtime Fans Face Personal Choices

added 12/01/2011 by Bob Hulsey
How angry are you at recent events and what will be your response to it?

Read the full column

Eulogy Of An Astros Fan

added 11/28/2011 by Dan Honig
Astros fan Dan Honig feels a particular pain from the news his beloved club is switching leagues.

Read the full column

Blame McLane While You're Kicking Bud

added 11/21/2011 by Willie B. Lakey
Willie Lakey returns to add his view of the Astros' ownership change.

Read the full column

Well Played, Nolan

added 11/17/2011 by Bob Hulsey
The Texas Rangers are now set to dominate the Astros for decades to come.

Read the full column

A Moment Of Silence, Please

added 10/25/2011 by Bob Hulsey
To longtime fans, switching to the American League is like a death in the family.

Read the full column

Where does this latest mess rate in baseball history?

added 10/25/2011 by
For Astros fans, the latest ownership mess rates right up there with the Black Sox and Steroid Era.

Read the full column

The Colt .45s Were Stars, Too

added 10/03/2011 by Glynn Ligon
Glynn takes umbrage that the original .45s were left off the 50th Anniversary logo.

Read the full column

Great New Logo, But...

added 09/23/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Celebrating 50 years now is rather bittersweet.

Read the full column

Jim Crane's Wagon Queen Family Truckster

added 09/09/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Bud Selig is using the old bait-and-switch to sell Jim Crane a lemon.

Read the full column

The Nucleus

added 08/21/2011 by Bob Hulsey
A lot of this decade's building blocks are now in place. The question is which ones will flourish and which ones will fade.

Read the full column

The Houston Rays?

added 08/14/2011 by Bob Hulsey
It would be nice to bring Tampa Bay's GM to Houston but why stop there?

Read the full column

Star Dumping

added 08/08/2011 by Bob Hulsey
If cutting payroll was the goal behind recent trades, the Astros didn't go far enough.

Read the full column

The Psychology Of Losing

added 07/27/2011 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Dr. McCurdy takes us step by step through the ritual of losing franchises.

Read the full column

10 Reasons Not To Switch Leagues

added 07/18/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Excited about joining the Texas Rangers in the American League West? You shouldn't be.

Read the full column

Are Trade Winds Blowing?

added 07/11/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Whether they are waiting for the sale to go through or not, the Astros must get busy to overhaul baseball's worst team.

Read the full column

Meet Your 2014 Houston Astros

added 07/05/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Ignore the potholes. Look off into the future if you want to see where the Astros are headed.

Read the full column

Dividing Baseball

added 06/18/2011 by Bob Hulsey
If the Astros are switching leagues, they should exact a price to do so.

Read the full column

Is Ed Wade Unlucky?

added 06/14/2011 by Bob Hulsey
How much Astros angst is bad luck and how much is bad management?

Read the full column

Crane Needs To Win Back Fans

added 06/06/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Lack of enthusiasm in Houston for the Astros is worse than Bob anticipated,

Read the full column

Time To Jet The Vets

added 05/29/2011 by Bob Hulsey
It's not the young players that are holding back the Astros.

Read the full column

The Astros At 50

added 05/26/2011 by Patrick Hajovsky
Fifty Years? Not quite, but an off day gives Pat a chance to evaluate the current squad after fifty games.

Read the full column

A TDIAH Review Of The McLane Era

added 05/21/2011 by Bob Hulsey
A long chapter in Astros history is soon coming to a close. Here's a thumbnail review of Drayton McLane's tenure as Astros owner.

Read the full column

A Bill Of Particulars

added 05/17/2011 by Patrick Hajovsky
Pat has a list of grievances for the new owner.

Read the full column

Patience Will Be Needed

added 05/12/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Avoiding temptations will be a key to rebuilding the Astros.

Read the full column

Assorted Notes

added 05/01/2011 by Bob Hulsey
What might be on the minds of Astros fans after the first month of the season?

Read the full column

Houston, Hello!

added 04/18/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Bob talks about some recent life changes and expresses his thanks.

Read the full column

Geographic Realignment

added 04/06/2011 by Patrick Hajovsky
Pat wants to take up Bud Selig's offer to realign the majors.

Read the full column

2011 NL Central Preview

added 03/29/2011 by Patrick Hajovsky
Pat updates what has gone on in the division since last fall.

Read the full column

Is This 1991 Redux?

added 03/24/2011 by Bob Hulsey
You may feel you're in a way-back machine as you watch this year's Astros.

Read the full column

Spring Break

added 03/17/2011 by Bob Hulsey
A day off gives Bob a chance to look over the stat sheet and do some roster speculating.

Read the full column

Eight Men In: Baseball Movie Managers

added 03/08/2011 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Houston Buff lists his eight favorite movie baseball managers.

Read the full column

The Catcher Curse

added 03/06/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Jason Castro's injury is one in a long line of disappointments that have befallen Astro backstops.

Read the full column

Another Fien Mess...

added 02/28/2011 by Bob Hulsey
If you think Brett Wallace or Nelson Figueroa took the long way to get to Kissimmee, a few longshots have them beat.

Read the full column

A Dream Job For Insomniacs

added 02/23/2011 by Bob Hulsey
MLB has a job opening. Want it?

Read the full column

What's In A Batting Order?

added 02/21/2011 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
To everyone but Tony LaRussa, this is how a batting lineup is built.

Read the full column

New Owners May Find Getting's Good

added 02/17/2011 by Bob Hulsey
Houston fans are ready to be swept off their feet by a new Astros owner.

Read the full column

Why Baseball Is Great

added 02/09/2011 by Patrick Hajovsky
Pat describes what makes baseball great with an assist from Jackie Robinson.

Read the full column

They Aren't Like Us, You Know

added 01/29/11 by Bob Hulsey
Do discussions about baseball salaries seem surreal in today's economy?

Read the full column

2011 Schedule Breakdown

added 01/23 by Bob Hulsey
Here's a handy guide to get you through the season.

Read the full column

A Crisis Of Credibility

added 01/13 by Bob Hulsey
Bob sees trouble on the horizon for the Baseball Hall Of Fame no matter which way the voters try to resolve the steroid issue.

Read the full column

Steroid Sanctimony Bleeding On Bagwell

added 01/08 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Houston Buff believes Jeff Bagwell has been caught in a Hall Of Fame tidal wave of hypocrisy.

Read the full column

The Bradey Card

added 12/16 by Glynn Ligon
A Colt .45s collector goes the extra mile for one final baseball card. He invents it.

Read the full column

Bagwell Right For Hall

added 12/02 by Patrick Hajovsky
Now that Jeff Bagwell is on the Hall of Fame ballot, Pat looks at his credentials.

Read the full column

A First Goodbye To Drayton McLane

added 11/21 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Houston Buff will be among those sad to see Drayton McLane leave the stage when he sells the Astros.

Read the full column

The Prodigal Son Returns

added 11/09 by Scott Barzilla
I have returned from my hiatus to comment on the off-season.

Read the full column

Another Bush Conspiracy

added 11/08 by Bob Hulsey
You may have suspected it for a long time. Now, there's more proof.

Read the full column

Hats Off To Jimmy Wynn

added 10/18 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
With the release of a new book on Astros legend Jim Wynn, Dr. McCurdy explains why his tale matters.

Read the full column

A Glorious End

added 10/04 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Houston Buff takes in the last Astros game of the season and celebrates the day.

Read the full column

Memo To Ed: Don't Spend This Winter

added 10/01 by Bob Hulsey
Bob hopes Ed Wade resists the temptation to be a big shopper this off-season.

Read the full column

Can Astros Contend In 2011?

added 09/27 by Pat Hajovsky
Pat scopes out next season's Central Division race.

Read the full column

Heading For Home

added 09/21 by Bob Hulsey
Many off-season decisions affecting the Astros will center around the desire to spend time at home.

Read the full column

My Favorite Astros Game

added 09/16 by Michael G. Norris
Astros fan Michael Norris recounts one of his (and our) favorite games.

Read the full column

End Of Season Farm Report

added 09/13 by Mike Tauser
Mike Tauser of Farmstros recaps the Astros' minor league seasons.

Read the full column

Could Lance Come Back?

added 09/06 by Bob Hulsey
Could Brett Wallace's struggles open the door for the return of a familiar face?

Read the full column

Are We Having Fun Yet?

added 08/30 by Bob Hulsey
August is a dreary time for non-contenders. Except the Astros.

Read the full column

Astros Revisit Rookie Lineup

added 08/23 by Bob Hulsey
The Astros took a step into yesteryear when they put five rookies on the field to play the Marlins.

Read the full column

Angel In The Infield

added 08/16 by Bob Hulsey
Just like in the movies, some help comes when you least expect it.

Read the full column

Fandom

added 08/12 by Pat Hajovsky
A new era of Astros means fans must allow time for them to live up to their predecessors.

Read the full column

Tidbits From History (Pt. 2)

added 08/09 by Gene Elston
Broadcasting legend Gene Elston provides more footnotes from baseball's past.

Read the full column

July Farm Report

added 08/05 by Mike Tauser
Mike Tauser of Farmstros updates us on a farm system that saw a lot of player movement in July.

Read the full column

Tidbits From History (Pt. 1)

added 08/02 by Gene Elston
Hall of Fame broadcaster Gene Elston offers footnotes from baseball's past.

Read the full column

It's A Happ-y New Era

added 08/01 by Bob Hulsey
Don't mourn the loss of Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman for long. A new era is beginning.

Read the full column

The Imperfect Storm

added 07/28 by Darrell Pittman
Darrell weighs in on the Roy Oswalt fiasco

Read the full column

The Trouble With Carlos

added 07/20 by Bob Hulsey
Carlos Lee's poor play might be just an off-year or it might not.

Read the full column

It's Time To Retire Niekro's #36

added 07/16 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Dr. McCurdy has another number he'd like to see hanging from the rafters of Minute Maid Park.

Read the full column

Next Two Weeks Critical For Future

added 07/12 by Bob Hulsey
It's crunch time for Ed Wade and Drayton McLane.

Read the full column

All-Star Farm Report

added 07/08 by Mike Tauser
Mike Tauser of Farmstros gives us an All-Star edition of his monthly farm report.

Read the full column

Rating The Oswalt Trade Options

added 07/03 by Bob Hulsey
Here's a quick guide to assess the trade possibilities Ed Wade has with regard to Roy Oswalt.

Read the full column

In His Best Year, He Lost 20 Games

added 06/30 by Bob Hulsey
Was his first year with the expansion Colt .45s Turk Farrell's best season or his worst?

Read the full column

Castro Looks Like Real Thing

added 06/27 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Dr. McCurdy is very impressed with the new catcher in town and hopes more are on their way.

Read the full column

Is 2010 Re-run Of 1991?

added 06/23 by Pat Hajovsky
There are similarities between this season and the Astros' woeful 1991 campaign - which should bring optimism.

Read the full column

Reconnecting with history

added 06/20 by Darrell Pittman
The Houston Sports Museum reopened today. Unfortunately, Darrell was there, and inflicts his thoughts on us.

Read the full column

Forgotten Stories Of 2010

added 06/15 by Bob Hulsey
Some names you may remember from farm reports last year are doing well. Others are not.

Read the full column

Off To The Bronx

added 06/11 by Will Bonn
Guest columnist Will Bonn previews this weekend's series against the Yankees.

Read the full column

Winning Shouldn't Deter Rebuilding

added 06/08 by Bob Hulsey
Winning a homestand was nice but the Astros still must focus on their future.

Read the full column

Astros' May Farm Report

added 06/04 by Mike Tauser
Mike Tauser of Farmstros updates the progress our prospects are making in the minor leagues.

Read the full column

Getting over the ump

added 06/03 by Darrell Pittman
MLB umpiring has drawn scrutiny in recent days. Darrell takes a look at the issues involved.

Read the full column

The Consistent Mr. Keppinger

added 05/31 by Bob Hulsey
While others falter, Jeff Keppinger continues to do what he's always done.

Read the full column

The Trouble With Trading Oswalt

added 05/27 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Dr. McCurdy looks at the dynamics of Roy Oswalt's recent trade request.

Read the full column

Lima Time

added 05/23 by Darrell Pittman
I was wrong about him before... I miss him now.

Read the full column

Retiring Astros' 3-4-5 As Easy As 1-2-3

added 05/20 by Pat Hajovsky
The middle of the order started the season poorly and still aren't intimidating anyone.

Read the full column

Baseball and Immigration

added 05/15 by Bob Hulsey
Bud Selig refuses to be drawn into the Arizona immigration debate. For now.

Read the full column

Thesaurus Wanted

added 05/09 by Bob Hulsey
Finding new expressions for "bad baseball" can be a challenge.

Read the full column

April Farm Recap

added 05/05 by Mike Tauser
Farmstros' Mike Tauser fills us in on the progress of the Astros' minor league system.

Read the full column

Astros announce surprise move

added 05/04 by Darrell Pittman
In Darrell's world, things are never what one would expect.

Read the full column

Root For The Bad Guys?? C'mon!!

added 05/01 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
"Garbage in, garbage out," is Dr. McCurdy's reaction to a recent study which ranks fan hatred.

Read the full column

Astros Winning With Pitching, Small Ball

added 04/26 by Bob Hulsey
How did the Astros turn it around when the heart of the order hit so poorly?

Read the full column

Collecting Colt .45 Cards And Thoughts

added 04/22 by Glynn Ligon
Thought you knew everything there is to know about Houston Colt .45 baseball cards? Think again.

Read the full column

It Happens Every Spring

added 04/19 by Bob Hulsey
Every spring, the maddening hunt to find early season Astros broadcasts in Central Texas continues.

Read the full column

The Optimist's Guide To A Tough Season

added 04/15 by Pat Hajovsky
There's always a rainbow if you look hard enough; even when you start the season at 0-8.

Read the full column

A View From The Crawfords

added 04/12 by Bob Hulsey
Bob's first visit to the Crawford Boxes leads to an assortment of thoughts, past and present.

Read the full column

Predictions For Sale

added 04/02 by Bob Hulsey
Everybody makes predictions this time of year. Here are some guaranteed to be worth what you paid for them.

Read the full column

Tough To Judge

added 03/29 by Bob Hulsey
When studying spring performances, all is not always what they seem.

Read the full column

Brandon Backe's Bullpen

added 03/25 by Darrell Pittman
Nothing to see here... move along.

Read the full column

Wading In Deep

added 03/22 by Bob Hulsey
Somebody has to jump in and bring some sanity back to the discussion of Ed Wade. It might as well be me.

Read the full column

Stat Diving

added 03/18 by Pat Hajovsky
Pat looks at baseball statistics much differently than Scott Barzilla does.

Read the full column

Grote: One Who Got Away

added 03/15 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
As the Astros witness another catching battle, Houston Buff recalls the franchise's first one and who benefited most from it.

Read the full column

Who Shot J.R.?

added 03/10 by Bob Hulsey
Houston may have a new star catcher but it isn't who you are probably thinking.

Read the full column

Vintage Baseball

added 03/06 by Darrell Pittman
You would think 1860s baseball would be idyllic

Read the full column

Spring Is Budding

added 03/01 by Patrick Hajovsky
New columnist Patrick Hajovsky prepares for the new season by recalling some past ones.

Read the full column

To DH Or Not To DH?

added 02/25 by Bob Hulsey
That is the question but, perhaps, there are more than two possible answers.

Read the full column

Trencherman John

added 02/22 by Cot Deal
Cot Deal discusses a Houston prospect with a Ruthian appetite.

Read the full column

Could Billy Wagner Make The Hall of Fame?

added 02/16 by Bob Hulsey
You could argue this either way and have a compelling argument.

Read the full column

Signs Of The Times

added 02/12 by Bob Hulsey
Do signs around the ballpark annoy you? Get used to them.

Read the full column

A Story Of A Story

added 02/08 by Cot Deal
Former coach Cot Deal discusses the injury to Dickie Thon and the story of someone who wanted to meet him.

Read the full column

Why The Astros Have No Young Stars

added 02/05 by Bob Hulsey
There are reasons why a major leaguer in his teens or early 20s is as rare as ever.

Read the full column

Where Do We Go From Here?

added 02/01 by Randy Aman
In Part II of his series, Randy Aman discusses the options the Astros have for upgrading the team.

Read the full column

Cotton Tales

added 01/28 by Cot Deal
Former player and coach Cot Deal has more stories to tell from his long career in baseball.

Read the full column

The Good, Bad and Ugly Of The Astros Winter

added 01/25 by Randy Aman
Randy Aman critiques what the Astros have done this off-season and how it compares to the big picture.

Read the full column

The Astros Of 2010 And Beyond

added 01/21 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Houston Buff weighs in on the Astros' present and future.

Read the full column

More Stories From Cot Deal

added 01/18 by Cot Deal
Former Colts and Astros coach Cot Deal shares more nuggets from his five decades in baseball.

Read the full column

Sins Of The Father

added 01/14 by Bob Hulsey
Is Koby Clemens paying a price for his father Roger's fall from grace?

Read the full column

Getting The Lead Out

added 01/11 by Cot Deal
Former Astros coach Cot Deal tells about one his players from his days managing in the minors.

Read the full column

What If Beltran Had Signed?

added 01/05 by Bob Hulsey
How would the last five seasons have changed if the Astros had been able to sign Carlos Beltran?

Read the full column

The Year Of The Tiger

added 12/23 by Bob Hulsey
Sometimes hope in the Astros' coming season can be found in the strangest places.

Read the full column

The Dreaded R Word

added 12/18 by Scott Barzilla
A conversation with Alyson Footer helped crystalize where this club's mentality is.

Read the full column

Evaluating Baseball's Managers

added 12/16 by Bob Hulsey
In an upcoming book, an internet analyst turns his SABR focus from players to managers.

Read the full column

The Magic Of The Home Run

added 12/07 by Gene Elston
Gene gives a quick history of the homer. Just don't call it a "long ball".

Read the full column

The Houston Sports Museum Mystery

added 11/16 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Dr. McCurdy gives us an update on the Houston Sports Museum once located inside Finger's Furniture.

Read the full column

Blood From Turnips

added 11/10 by Bob Hulsey
Can you improve the Astros and cut their budget? That's Ed Wade's daunting challenge.

Read the full column

New Manager A Blank Page

added 11/02 by Bob Hulsey
Even finding a cool nickname for Brad Mills will be a challenge.

Read the full column

Who Is Brad Mills?

added 10/29 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Bill McCurdy zeroes in on what may be the most important issue facing the Astros' new manager.

Read the full column

Experience Or Youth?

added 10/25 by Bob Hulsey
Who wins the managerial derby may say something about the future direction of the ballclub.

Read the full column

How We Got Here

added 10/13 by Bob Hulsey
In four short years, the Astros went from a World Series team to a club in disarray. See how it happened.

Read the full column

Aaron Pointer - A Man For All Seasons

added 09/24 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Being a Houston Colt .45 was just the beginning for this athletic career.

Read the full column

I Come Not To Bury Cecil...

added 09/21 by Bob Hulsey
Dismissing Cecil Cooper had to happen, even if the timing is a bit curious.

Read the full column

Astros Limp To Finish Line

added 09/18 by Bob Hulsey
The season can't end soon enough except to see who might stick for 2010.

Read the full column

A night with SABR

added 09/15 by Scott Barzilla
Another plug for a great organization

Read the full column

Those Miraculously Aging Dominicans

added 09/11 by Bob Hulsey
Once again, there's controversy about the correct age of a Dominican player.

Read the full column

Union Reps Make Bad SABR Members

added 09/07 by Bob Hulsey
A questionable theory is used to try to explain our bad luck.

Read the full column

What's Left To Root For

added 09/04 by Bob Hulsey
Need some reasons to still be interested in this year's Astros? Here's some.

Read the full column

Astros Have Gone To The Dogs

added 09/01 by Bob Hulsey
Bob has some ideas on how the Astros can get out of the doghouse.

Read the full column

Time for Change?

added 08/30 by Scott Barzilla
A sweep of the Astros has the local weather vane talking loco.

Read the full column

Is It Time To Trade Oswalt?

added 08/28 by Bob Hulsey
Could trading their ace be the best thing the Astros could do?

Read the full column

Astros All-Decade Team

added 08/24 by Bob Hulsey
The Astros have drummed to death the 10th Anniversary of Minute Maid Park but there's one aspect still to explore.

Read the full column

Sampson Shows Right Attitude

added 08/19 by Bob Hulsey
Chris Sampson didn't get to the majors the usual way and it is the main reason he'll be coming back.

Read the full column

Calculating The 2010 Payroll

added 08/18 by Bob Hulsey
Giving up on this year? Bob thinks 2010 will offer more of the same.

Read the full column

The Kids Are Alright

added 08/14 by Bob Hulsey
With the season slipping away, the Astros should let their youngsters play.

Read the full column

Not So Fast, Fans

added 08/10 by Bob Hulsey
The Astros need to make their run now if they want any chance of making the playoffs.

Read the full column

Wade and Coop

added 08/08 by Bob Hulsey
One loves to build bullpens; the other loves to abuse them.

Read the full column

Express To The Majors

added 08/05 by David Coleman
David tells us more on two recent addition to the Astros' roster and speculates on who else might join them.

Read the full column

Injury Bug Forces Youth Movement

added 08/04 by Bob Hulsey
There may be a silver lining to the Astros' recent spate of injuries.

Read the full column

Don't Blame Ed Wade

added 08/01 by Scott Barzilla
Scott asks fans to hold their criticism of Ed Wade before they know what the limitations were.

Read the full column

Neither Hot Nor Cold

added 07/30 by Bob Hulsey
The Astros continue to be a difficult team to gauge.

Read the full column

Wade Sits At Deadline

added 07/25 by Bob Hulsey
Hoping the Astros will deal this week? Check the bullpen.

Read the full column

Astros Uniform Re-Design

added 07/20 by Jim Ransdell
A graphics designer takes a back-to-the-future approach in anticipating the Astros' next uniform style.

Read the full column

Astros' Top Five All-Time Moves

added 07/18 by Bob Hulsey
What events had the best impact on the franchise? Bob ranks them.

Read the full column

Mid-Season Questions

added 07/15 by Scott Barzilla
As usual, the Astros stand at the crossroads at the half-way point

Read the full column

Pinch Me! We're Not Losers

added 07/13 by Bob Hulsey
Optimist or pessimist, the Astros provide fuel for both.

Read the full column

Astros' Ho-Hum All-Star Legacy

added 07/11 by Bob Hulsey
If you're expecting to see Miguel Tejada or Hunter Pence play a major role at this year's All-Star Game, it would be against their history.

Read the full column

First Half Studs And Duds

added 07/06 by Bob Hulsey
A consistently mediocre team, which players have tilted the balance for Houston in the first half.

Read the full column

Lessons From MLB Network

added 07/04 by Bob Hulsey
Analysis and images from the new MLB channel bring out a variety of thoughts.

Read the full column

Looking ahead to the all-star game

added 07/01 by Scott Barzilla
Despite their place in the standings, the Astros have no shortage of all-star candidates.

Read the full column

Are Houston Fans MLB's Stupidest?

added 06/28 by Bob Hulsey
Do Astros fans lead the league in bonehead behavior?

Read the full column

Rethinking The 2009 Astros

added 06/24 by Bob Hulsey
Is the Astros' glass this year half empty or half full?

Read the full column

Politics, contracts and veteran bust hobble 'Stros

added 06/23 by Michael Point
Guest columnist, Michael Point, gives his take on the Astros from Round Rock.

Read the full column

Dysfunctional Family Robinson

added 06/19 by Scott Barzilla
This isn't nearly the worst Astros team I've ever watched, but it might be the most frustrating.

Read the full column

The Lexington Five

added 06/12 by Bob Hulsey
With a new draft class now selected, what should we make of the prospects drawing praise in A-ball?

Read the full column

An Honest Businessman?

added 06/10 by Scott Barzilla
Barzilla offers a unique spin on a recent Chronicle news piece.

Read the full column

An Ocean Of Frustration

added 06/05 by Bob Hulsey
If it isn't already obvious, Astros hitters this year are often their own worst enemies.

Read the full column

To be or not to be

added 06/02 by Scott Barzilla
As we move closer to the third way mark, the same old questions keep rearing their ugly head

Read the full column

Will Roy Be Leaving?

added 05/31 by Bob Hulsey
If a team like the White Sox or Phillies want to acquire Roy Oswalt, their best chance may be to include Jake Peavy in their trade discussions.

Read the full column

An Unenviable Position

added 05/28 by Scott Barzilla
I find myself in one of the most uncomfortable places: agreeing with Richard Justice

Read the full column

It's Been Awhile

added 05/27 by Scott Barzilla
Scott looks at all that has happened since the last time he published an AD column

Read the full column

That Ball Is In Astro Orbit

added 05/25 by James Anderson
James reflects on when broadcasting legend Harry Kalas was a little-known Astros announcer. Included is some new audio not heard in over 40 years.

Read the full column

Should This Series Be Cancelled?

added 05/22 by Bob Hulsey
Like a bad TV series or an American auto company, maybe it's time for the Lone Star Series to fold.

Read the full column

Who Is An "Astro-Killer"?

added 05/15 by Bob Hulsey
Which guys wear the Astros out? Bob looks at "killers" past and present.

Read the full column

The blind spot

added 05/13 by Scott Barzilla
The handling of Felipe Paulino demonstrates the Astros blind spot.

Read the full column

Knuckleball Reflections

added 05/07 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Houston Buff discusses the knuckleball and its two most successful practitioners - Joe and Phil Niekro.

Read the full column

Moving Paulino to the pen is the wrong move

added 05/04 by Scott Barzilla
It's venting time.

Read the full column

The Four Horses

added 05/03 by Bob Hulsey
Cecil Cooper says the wagon isn't moving. Bob looks into why.

Read the full column

Important roster decisions

added 04/29 by Scott Barzilla
The Astros have an abundance of important roster decisions to make.

Read the full column

Extended Spring Training

added 04/24 by Scott Barzilla
If you think of 2009 as a six month long spring season then you will be ahead of the game.

Read the full column

The Astros' Coming Glut Of Pitchers

added 04/23 by Bob Hulsey
Ed Wade and Cecil Cooper have some tough choices approaching about their pitching staff.

Read the full column

A Good day at the yard

added 04/20 by Scott Barzilla
SABR had its annual meeting at the Juicebox and it didn't disappoint.

Read the full column

Rough Times In H-Town

added 04/16 by Daniel "Tex" Cohen
Dan Cohen sees positives and negatives in the Astros' sputtering start.

Read the full column

What an off day

added 04/15 by Scott Barzilla
Ken Rosenthal creates some stir during the time off.

Read the full column

One week down the tubes

added 04/13 by Scott Barzilla
It's a long season folks. Of course, that could mean anything.

Read the full column

One With The Angels

added 04/09 by Bob Hulsey
Nick Adenhart's tragic death isn't rare, either for the Angels or society in general.

Read the full column

Best day of the year

added 04/06 by Scott Barzilla
Enjoy ESPN's quintuple header today.

Read the full column

Filling another hole

added 04/02 by Scott Barzilla
As it turns out, Astros management didn't think Chris Johnson was ready.

Read the full column

Key Position Battles

added 03/27 by Scott Barzilla
We move from general pessimism to the interesting battles for final roster spots

Read the full column

Between a rock and a hard place

added 03/24 by Scott Barzilla
Cecil Cooper's comments this spring have been comical, but you have to feel sorry for the guy.

Read the full column

Pudge Factor

added 03/22 by Bob Hulsey
Ivan Rodriguez will help the Astros in ways that aren't easily measured.

Read the full column

Plugging a big hole

added 03/17 by Scott Barzilla
The Astros plugged a huge hole when they agreed to terms with Pudge Rodriguez.

Read the full column

One fan who is no longer excited about opening day

added 03/16 by James Anderson
There was a time when I looked excitedly toward opening day in baseball. This was a rite that exhilarated me every since I was 11 years old. I will turn 63 this year. There was a time when I would pour over the daily box scores like a research scientists studying his notes on his viral drug cultures in his laboratory. I would follow the top hitters and pitchers and keep charts on what they would have to do the remainder of the season to hit that .330 batting average or reach 40 home runs or win 20 games. I did this because I had such a burning passion for the great American pastime. A game that was a woven part of the fabric of the American culture as the stars on Old Glory. That has all changed.

Read the full column

Save your watches

added 03/15 by Scott Barzilla
The quotes coming out of Astros camp are becoming harder and harder to believe.

Read the full column

Ms. Buzzkill

added 03/10 by Bob Hulsey
General suckiness is overshadowing some good spring performances.

Read the full column

The Silver Lining

added 03/06 by Scott Barzilla
Whether I am a realist or a pessimist depends on your own outlook.

Read the full column

As the calendar turns

added 03/02 by Scott Barzilla
Baseball is always a soap opera, but it has taken another turn for the worse.

Read the full column

Half Empty or Half Full?

added 02/26 by Scott Barzilla
Spring Training is the ultimate time to determine what kind of fan you are.

Read the full column

The Audacity of Hope

added 02/23 by Scott Barzilla
Baseball Prospectus cracked on the Astros again in their annual.

Read the full column

The case for Pudge

added 02/17 by Scott Barzilla
The weather vane made his case against Pudge. I'm countering.

Read the full column

Backwoods Bud needs to resign

added 02/10 by Scott Barzilla
The Arod situation shows the union and commissioner's office couldn't manage a church picnic, much less baseball.

Read the full column

Fearless Predictions

added 02/02 by Scott Barzilla
Since Bob got us started, I thought I'd take a look at the NL Central.

Read the full column

The Odd Side Of Baseball

added 01/26 by Gene Elston
Dull winter? Gene Elston tries to take your mind off it with a reflection on baseball's oddities.

Read the full column

Time for a salary cap?

added 01/22 by Scott Barzilla
A winter of bad economics and more Yankees spending leads some to think a salary cap is in order.

Read the full column

Back to the Future

added 01/16 by Scott Barzilla
The latest round of signings clearly points a path for the Astros

Read the full column

Scapegoating

added 01/07 by Scott Barzilla
People love to use disasters as excuses for things they would do anyway.

Read the full column

Why I'm A Lifelong Astros Fan

added 01/06 by George Pennell
An Astros fan recalls his encounters with various players as reflects what it means to him now with his own family.

Read the full column

New year's joy

added 01/02 by Scott Barzilla
This year has to be better than last year right? In terms of the Astros it might not be that simple.

Read the full column

The Financial Side Of The Farm

added 12/17 by Scott Barzilla
Do the Astros get their money's worth, particularly from their hitters?

Read the full column

Take a Deep Breath

added 12/14 by Scott Barzilla
It has been a disappointing week for Astros fans, but it is only mid December.

Read the full column

Hall Of Fame Talk II

added 12/10 by Bob Hulsey
Next up on our Hall of Fame disassembly line...

Read the full column

Hall Of Fame Talk

added 12/08 by Scott Barzilla
Is Rice cooked in his Cooperstown bid? He would be if Scott had a vote.

Read the full column

Quo Vadis? The 2009 Astros

added 12/02 by Dr. Bill McCurdy
Dr. McCurdy traces the road the Astros have travelled by the numbers.

Read the full column

Winter Meetings Preview

added 11/29 by Scott Barzilla
Recent developments have some fans upset, but patience is the name of the game.

Read the full column

The Dog Days of November

added 11/10 by Scott Barzilla
Patience is the key this time of year.

Read the full column

To Peavy Or Not To Peavy?

added 11/01 by Scott Barzilla
Can the Astros afford to trade for Jake Peavy?

Read the full column

The Importance of Closers

added 10/15 by Scott Barzilla
I mentioned I could do a whole column on the subject a few weeks ago, so I figured why not.

Read the full column

Hi, My Name Is...

added 10/14 by Matt Stilley
AstrosDaily.com's newest columnist gives us his background and tells us what made him an Astros fan.

Read the full column

Baseball Broadcasting Begins

added 10/10 by Gene Elston
Gene traces the origin of the baseball broadcast - an industry that has become a staple in millions of homes worldwide.

Read the full column

Learning from success

added 10/06 by Scott Barzilla
Every year, fans look to the post-season to see which style of play wins it.

Read the full column

A Look back

added 09/30 by Scott Barzilla
Now that the season is done it's time to take a long look back.

Read the full column

Three Out With None To Play

added 09/29 by Matt Stilley
New contributor Matt Stilley takes us back through the highs and lows of Houston's 2008 season.

Read the full column

One-Game Gamers

added 09/26 by Gene Elston
For some major leaguers, one game was a career.

Read the full column

Stros Hosed: MLB Spits In Houston's Eye

added 09/18 by Bob Hulsey
The Astros may have lost a few baseball games but Major League Baseball lost a lot of respect.

Read the full column

Life Interrupted

added 09/15 by Scott Barzilla
Commissioner Jackass rears his ugly head again.

Read the full column

The Forgotten Old Timers Game Of 1965

added 09/12 by Gene Elston
How does a four-year-old franchise stage an Old Timers Game?

Read the full column

Deja Vu All Over Again

added 09/04 by Scott Barzilla
There is nothing like the end of summer to get the Astros going strong again.

Read the full column

Sabathia's Goof Begs For Rule Change

added 09/01 by Bob Hulsey
Should fielding ineptness be officially rewarded?

Read the full column

A long look back

added 08/29 by Scott Barzilla
Customarily, we wait until the end of the season to make evaluations, but now is as good a time as any to look at Wade's major moves.

Read the full column

Things To Do In Houston

added 08/22 by Bob Hulsey
...when your team is out of the playoff chase.

Read the full column

Astros and Olympians

added 08/14 by Bob Hulsey
Do the Astros play better during the Olympics?

Read the full column

To Be or Not to be

added 08/11 by Scott Barzilla
As usual, our good friend the weather vane stirred the pot again.

Read the full column

Promoter and Chief

added 07/22 by Scott Barzilla
Randy Wolf is a ploy to keep people coming through the turnstiles.

Read the full column

All-star break grades Part I

added 07/16 by Scott Barzilla
A lot has been made about the disappointing season. Let's see who's to blame

Read the full column

It's Time

added 07/07 by Scott Barzilla
Management fought the brave fight, but it's time to start over.

Read the full column

The Red Herring

added 07/02 by Scott Barzilla
Complaints about the Astros pitching have reached epic proportions, but it is the offense that has been lacking.

Read the full column

Chaconland

added 06/25 by Scott Barzilla
Shawn Chacon exists in his own little world.

Read the full column

Astros Mid-Season Report Card

added 06/23 by Bob Hulsey
In an up-and-down season, who has exceeded expectations and who has disappointed?

Read the full column

Much Ado about nothing

added 06/16 by Scott Barzilla
The recent in fighting between Oswalt, Berkman, and Cooper are nice for the papers, but it doesn't amount to much.

Read the full column

The Yankee Dynasties

added 06/14 by Gene Elston
Baseball's most successful franchise can trace their dominance back to four great managers.

Read the full column

Making History

added 06/12 by Scott Barzilla
People are wondering whether Berkman will eclipse Bagwell's 1994 campaign, but the comparison with 2000 has the pitching staff waking up in a cold sweat.

Read the full column

There Used To Be A Ballpark

added 05/31 by Gene Elston
She was 33 years old when she died in 1961. Still, thoughts remain in the minds and hearts of the many thousands of die-hard fans that passed through her turnstiles.

Read the full column

Balanced Offense

added 05/27 by Scott Barzilla
Balance in an offense is very important, but there is more to balance than just power and speed.

Read the full column

Where Have All The Pitchers Gone?

added 05/20 by Bob Hulsey
Jon Lester's no-hitter reminds us that something is missing in baseball today. Do you miss it?

Read the full column

Fun Times for Big Puma

added 05/16 by Scott Barzilla
Lance Berkman is on pace to have the best season of anyone in an Astros uniform.

Read the full column

Texan Takes Bite Outta' Big Apple

added 05/13 by Willie B. Lakey
With both Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium closing after the '08 season, this old Texan had to get up for a last look at both.

Read the full column

Differences in Philosophy

added 05/02 by Scott Barzilla
The onslaught of new information provides an even better backdrop for a study of team-building philosophy.

Read the full column

Interesting Ausmus Debate

added 04/23 by Scott Barzilla
The boards have had a nice debate on Ausmus. It's time for me to weigh in.

Read the full column

Manager's Dilemma

added 04/17 by Scott Barzilla
A lot of sabermetricians think managers are overrated. The first tenth of the season reveals that Cooper is about to earn his money.

Read the full column

Mickey Herskowitz - The Curator of Baseball

added 04/12 by James Anderson
The definition of "Curator" is one who manages or oversees as in a museum. When it comes to the history of Major League Baseball in the city of Houston, Texas where the sport first made it's appearance in the Spring of 1962, Mickey Herskowitz had already been hard at work for several years campaigning to bring Major League Baseball to Houston.

Read the full column

A Sputtering Offense

added 04/09 by Scott Barzilla
The first nine games look strangely familiar to Astros fans

Read the full column

A moment of courage

added 03/31 by Scott Barzilla
Cutting Woody Williams may not have been popular with the veterans or with Drayton McLane, but Ed Wade made the right call.

Read the full column

Spring Awards

added 03/27 by Scott Barzilla
LVP? MIP? Jim Clancy Award? Time to pass out the Kissimmee spring hardware - both good and bad.

Read the full column

Is Woody Williams done?

added 03/18 by Scott Barzilla
Woody has had a rough spring, but is it really the beginning of the end?

Read the full column

Baseball's Closest Ally

added 03/15 by Gene Elston
It took a player's death and some unfortunate injuries before organized baseball used their heads to find a solution.

Read the full column

Baseball Prospectus Power Rankings

added 03/10 by Scott Barzilla
BP has their predictions and we have our response.

Read the full column

Projections versus Past Performance

added 03/06 by Scott Barzilla
A continued look into Baseball Prospectus finds the culprit of their pessimistic views.

Read the full column

Disinterested Analysis

added 03/04 by Scott Barzilla
My Baseball Prospectus 2008 came in the mail the other day and I was excited to see what they would say about the Astros.

Read the full column

Happy Spring Training

added 03/02 by Bryan R. Jones
FanSpeak: Down on the Astros' chances for this season? One fan says rumors of our demise are overblown.

Read the full column

Spring Training From the Beginning

added 02/28 by Gene Elston
The first baseball game played under the basic rules, as we know them today, was played on June 19, 1846 when the New York Club defeated the Knickerbockers 23-1 at Elysian Fields in New York.

Read the full column

What's in a Nickname?

added 02/24 by James Anderson
Over the years many ballplayers were given nicknames for various reasons. Several members of Astrosdaily fan forum took on the project of building the most complete list of former and current Houston Colt .45's/Astros who were given nicknames for various reasons over the years.

Read the full column

Waiting on Projections

added 02/21 by Scott Barzilla
There are always veterans waiting around for contracts, but this year there are a few more than normal.

Read the full column

The Projections Business

added 02/19 by Scott Barzilla
A quick look at a booming industry shows why baseball is on the right track.

Read the full column

The new big leagues

added 02/11 by Scott Barzilla
Runs, points, and wins don't matter in this league.

Read the full column

Astros taking a beating

added 02/01 by Scott Barzilla
Half-witted pundits take their shots at the Astros.

Read the full column

Valverde and Arbitration

added 01/25 by Scott Barzilla
The Astros are making a mistake playing hardball with Jose Valverde.

Read the full column

The great weather vane

added 01/22 by Scott Barzilla
Following media coverage of the off-season is simple. Which way is the wind blowing?

Read the full column

Winter winds down

added 01/09 by Scott Barzilla
I'm a little behind the news cycle, but this is what you get for the price you pay.

Read the full column

One Stable spot in the order

added 12/22 by Scott Barzilla
Ty Wigginton might be the most stable player in the Astros lineup this season.

Read the full column

Bonzai!

added 12/16 by Scott Barzilla
Free agent Kaz Matsui gets the unenviable job of replacing the legendary Craig Biggio.

Read the full column

A brief burst of continuity

added 12/13 by Scott Barzilla
Lance Berkman stands now as the senior most regular on the team.

Read the full column

Chasing Mitch

added 12/11 by Scott Barzilla
Despite a continued interest in pitching, the offense actually rated worse than the pitching staff last year. The Astros are introducing a new lineup next year and we will look at each position carefully.

Read the full column

Matsui creates a stir

added 12/04 by Scott Barzilla
The Kaz Matsui deal would appear to pit traditional fans against sabermetric ones. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Read the full column

The Excitement is Back

added 11/19 by Scott Barzilla
The past few offseasons have been way too predictable. Good or bad, Ed Wade and company have brought the excitement back.

Read the full column

The first World Series

added 11/12 by Gene Elston
Although there had been a few post-season playoffs in the 19th century, this first meeting between the National and American League champions was recognized as the first modern World Series.

Read the full column

Pre-Hot Stove League Part Three

added 10/20 by Scott Barzilla
We turn our attention to centerfield for this edition

Read the full column

Walt Bond: Big in stature, big of heart

added 09/30 by James Anderson
Walter Bond not only made his mark on Houston baseball and all those around him, but did so while silently battling leukemia.

Read the full column

The pre Hot Stove League

added 09/23 by Scott Barzilla
Ed Wade and Tal Smith have a lot of decisions to make this off-season.

Read the full column

Judgement Day

added 09/02 by Scott Barzilla
Garner and Purpura get the can. Was it everything their critics hoped it would be?

Read the full column

All Aboard for the Round Tripper Special

added 08/12 by Gene Elston
Gene Elston, the original "Voice of the Astros", takes a look back at the significance of the home run on baseball history, and those who set the records..

Read the full column

Maxim's Most Wanted

added 08/04 by Scott Barzilla
The magazine for lonely men has tabbed Phil Garner as the loneliest manager.

Read the full column

Deadline Comes and Goes

added 07/31 by Scott Barzilla
Goodbye Morgan Ensberg and Dan Wheeler. Hello Ty Wigginton and...um Crash Davis?

Read the full column

A milkman from Brooklyn

added 07/28 by Cot Deal
Like your milk with a twist? The original pitching coach for the Houston Colt .45s tells the story of a pre-game milking contest. It's an udder delight.

Read the full column

A Sad Day

added 07/26 by Scott Barzilla
This week's retirement announcement was sad on a lot of levels.

Read the full column

Deadline Blues

added 07/22 by Scott Barzilla
They said this road trip was crucial. It's time to react.

Read the full column

Position Players are the way to go

added 07/14 by Scott Barzilla
A few weeks ago we looked at the track record on big ticket free agent pitchers. Now, we look at hitters.

Read the full column

There it is!

added 07/12 by James Anderson
What makes a simple and commonly used phrase become important, especially one that is so common that it is uttered daily in the American English vernacular?

Read the full column

Paying Homage and Moving On

added 07/06 by Scott Barzilla
The Chronicle did their share, now it's my turn.

Read the full column

Not A Hall Of Famer???

added 07/04 by Bob Hulsey
Amazingly, some in sports media and the blogosphere are still deniers when it comes to Craig Biggio's worthiness for Cooperstown.

Read the full column

3 Grand

added 06/29 by Gene Elston
Gene Elston takes a look back at the 27 members of the 3,000-hit club, from Cap Anson (1897) to Craig Bigio (2007), along with some notable near-misses.

Read the full column

A look to the Future (Part One)

added 06/28 by Scott Barzilla
Houston has money to spend after this year. It's time to look at the past to see where the money can be spent wisely.

Read the full column

Hot and Colt

added 06/23 by Cot Deal
Houston obtained its National League franchise in 1961. The opening day of the 1962 season would be played in Houston. Interest was high. A "Name the Team" contest lured countless thousands of entrants. The stadium was sold out for the 1962 season opener before the new year arrived. The name selected was "Colt 45s."

Read the full column

Alyson Footer: Walking in the Footsteps of Anita Martini

added 06/22 by James Anderson
It wasn't that long ago when female sports beat-writers were looked upon by their male counterparts in the same light as the carriers of the Spanish Flu that devastated the lives of millions of Americans shortly after World War I.

Read the full column

Buy, Sell, or Stand Pat

added 06/15 by Scott Barzilla
It may not be the most important decision a GM must make, but it is definitely up there

Read the full column

What is going on at Crawford Street?

added 06/03 by Scott Barzilla
Two roster moves and lineup changes leave many to wonder what the Astros are thinking about this season.

Read the full column

Summer of Our Discontent

added 05/31 by Scott Barzilla
The Stros seem to be coming up short a lot lately. Anything on the horizon besides a speeding train?

Read the full column

Are the Brewers for real

added 05/19 by Scott Barzilla
The Astros are clipping along at .500, but the Brewers are on pace to win more than 90 games. Are they for real?

Read the full column

Burke Gets the Shaft

added 05/12 by Scott Barzilla
Comments from Burke indicate what he's been thinking all along.

Read the full column

Opening the black door

added 05/08 by Gene Elston
Interestingly, the first public mention of the possibility of Negroes playing in the major leagues came from the media on July 24, 1942.

Read the full column

The Great couch debate

added 05/02 by Scott Barzilla
The performance of Morgan Ensberg and other Astros has brought some familiar debates to the forefront.

Read the full column

Time to Panic?

added 04/28 by Scott Barzilla
Astros fans are divided into two camps: those that want to panic and those that want to be patient.

Read the full column

Little Joe Strikes Again

added 04/18 by Scott Barzilla
Joe Morgan continued his crusade against the Astros on Jackie Robinson day.

Read the full column

As the Astros Turn

added 04/14 by Scott Barzilla
Every team wants to go through a season drama free. They usually don't get their wish.

Read the full column

It had to happen sometime

added 04/09 by Mike Capps
The day, April 7, 2007, goes down in all-time Round Rock Express history. For the first time in history, the Express had a home game rained out.

Read the full column

The streak finally comes to an end

added 04/07 by James Anderson

"The Dean of Major League Technicians" Bob Green has been instrumental in broadcasting Houston Buffs and Colt .45s/Astros baseball for 60 years.

Read the full column

Swan Song should be sweet

added 04/05 by Scott Barzilla
The peculiar situation in Houston has caused some mixed feelings about the swan songs of Brad Ausmus and Craig Biggio.

Read the full column

Just a game

added 04/03 by Scott Barzilla
Fans often make too much of Opening Day. Every game is important, but all of us need to get a grip.

Read the full column

Rangers sign Rocket

added 04/01 by Darrell Pittman

In a surprise move, the Texas Rangers announced Sunday that they have signed Roger Clemens.

Read the full column

The colorful Hal Woodeshick

added 03/29 by James Anderson
Ask Hal Woodeshick about the state of pitching in the major leagues these days and the hair will stand up on the back of his neck as he ponders how to express his personal opinion on this particular topic without losing his temper.

Read the full column

MLB vanquishes latest threat

added 03/23 by Darrell Pittman
Faced by the rising tide of uppity player attitudes, MLB moved forcefully Thursday to restore order to the world.

Read the full column

Spring Training

added 03/19 by Mike Capps
I'm back in Round Rock after our annual trek to what I consider one of several baseball meccas in this country, the Houston Astros Spring Training base in Kissimmee, Florida just outside Orlando.

Read the full column

Hope Springs Eternal

added 03/11 by Scott Barzilla
It's been awhile, but Spring Training always gets the blood boiling.

Read the full column

Spring Training Has Arrived!

added 02/23 by Gene Elston
This is the beginning of another nine months of our revered National Pastime – SPRING TRAINING has arrived and soon we will be hearing the call of PLAY BALL!

Read the full column

Abuse of Power

added 02/06 by Scott Barzilla
Every once in awhile, the power brokers in the press need to be reeled in. It's Ken Rosenthal's turn.

Read the full column

A late Christmas gift under the tree

added 01/07 by Scott Barzilla
Mark Loretta's signing came out of the blue, but it might turn out to be Purpura's most underrated signing.

Read the full column

The other half of the trade

added 12/16 by Scott Barzilla
As promised, Barzilla takes a look at the players coming in from the Rockies.

Read the full column

The number two guy?

added 12/13 by Scott Barzilla
Tim Purpura gave up a lot to get Jennings. Is he the answer to this team's problems in the rotation?

Read the full column

State of the Franchise

added 12/10 by Scott Barzilla
We can picture Purpura making a Bush-like "everything is fine" speech, but things aren't really that bleak.

Read the full column

Winter Meetings Preview

added 12/02 by Scott Barzilla
The Winter Meetings begin this week. It appears the Astros attention will turn to the mound.

Read the full column

A 100 million dollar man?

added 11/25 by Scott Barzilla
After a day of mulling it over, Barzilla is still unsure as to whether Lee deserves 100 million dollars.

Read the full column

Quick Picks for Free Agency

added 11/05 by Scott Barzilla
With free agency quickly approaching, the off-season analysis timeline speeds up.

Read the full column

We all will Miss Joseph Franklin Niekro

added 11/01 by James Anderson
As I've had time to collect my thoughts and think about what Joe Niekro meant to the fans of Houston I was touched by a strange feeling that we fans didn't seem to really appreciate what Joe accomplished for the Houston Astros.

Read the full column

Lay off of Ensberg

added 10/24 by Scott Barzilla
Morgan Ensberg was one of the more maligned players on the Astros this season, but key numbers prove the naysayers wrong.

Read the full column

What goes around...

added 10/23 by Daniel Cohen
Would the BBGs harbor a twenty-year grudge? Guest columnist Daniel Cohen thinks so.

Read the full column

Scouting the catchers

added 10/20 by Scott Barzilla
How valuable is Brad Ausmus?

Read the full column

Sabbatical

added 10/14 by Scott Barzilla
I've been away for awhile, but I haven't forgotten about the Astros.

Read the full column

A Meeting with the Main Man

added 08/26 by Scott Barzilla
SABR met with Tim Purpura two weeks ago and a few important things were readily apparent.

Read the full column

Is Tejada the answer?

added 07/25 by Scott Barzilla
The Tejada talk is heating up again. The package is different this time, but the questions are the same.

Read the full column

Ensberg for Linebrink is easily ludicrous

added 07/19 by Daniel Cohen
Richard Justice addressed on his blog the possibility of the Astros pulling a trade for help in the pen by grabbing Scott Linebrink for Morgan Ensberg. Linebrink has been one of the better relievers in the league over the past three years and the pen is in flailing chaos at the moment.

Read the full column

Meddling in magic

added 07/16 by Daniel Cohen
You are a blue-blooded Astros fan and you have the greatest pitcher of all time on your team. The bullpen is shot and run support is lacking but the Rocket still stands ready to throw flames high and inside.

Read the full column

Missing the mark

added 07/15 by Scott Barzilla
Bringing in Aubrey Huff and saying goodbye to Gary Gaetti might help, but Purpura is still missing what is really ailing this offense.

Read the full column

Going up?

added 06/23 by Scott Barzilla
Now that the Rocket is back, everyone is expecting things to get better. Yet, the hitting continues to be murky.

Read the full column

Big Day for Little Cousin

added 06/13 by Scott Barzilla
It's easy for some of us to get lost in the numbers, but this last week is a big reminder that this is a game played by people.

Read the full column

Drayton steps up

added 06/04 by Scott Barzilla
Look who has the third highest payroll in baseball? Money might not be buying many victories these days, but it's no time to criticize.

Read the full column

Musical Chairs

added 05/30 by Scott Barzilla
The worst soap opera in sports is about to come to an end. Barzilla looks at the fallout in the Astros rotation.

Read the full column

It's only three games

added 05/18 by Scott Barzilla
Losing 34-5 in three games is a bit embarassing, but patience should be the buzz word, not panic.

Read the full column

Leave it to the players

added 05/17 by John Poffenbarger
A Giants' fan tells us that the players, not the umpires, should govern play

Read the full column

Is Clemens Really the Answer?

added 05/11 by Scott Barzilla
A 1-6 road trip should make us wonder whether Roger Clemens really is the missing piece on this team.

Read the full column

One Month Report Card

added 04/30 by Scott Barzilla
Barzilla looks at the good, the bad, and the ugly from the seasons's first month.

Read the full column

Three Card Monty

added 04/19 by Scott Barzilla
Possible solutions for the team's pitching woes

Read the full column

End the Charade

added 04/09 by Scott Barzilla
Scott has a request for Roger Clemens.

Read the full column

The End of the Line

added 03/26 by Scott Barzilla
Somewhere along the way I got the Traveling Wilbury’s song stuck in my head, but regardless of whether you know the tune, everyone is thinking the same thing about Jeff Bagwell; except Jeff Bagwell.

Read the full column

Remember

added 03/14/2001 by Steve Cutchen
This prescient Astros Daily article by Steve Cutchen from 2001 gives us perspective as we face the likely retirement of Astros icon Jeff Bagwell.

Steve's words rang true then, and are even truer today.

Read the full column

Meet the legendary Gene Elston

added 03/24 by James Anderson
Gene Elston is making two public appearances within the next week to promote his new book The Wild World of Sports.

Read the full column

The Fielding Revolution

added 03/17 by Scott Barzilla
There has been no greater chasm between statheads and traditionalists than the question of fielding.

Read the full column

A Classic?

added 03/09 by Scott Barzilia
The World Baseball Classic is finally here. Most baseball fans have to contain their yawning as they change the dial back to their hometown nine.

Read the full column

The Astros Way?

added 02/23 by Scott Barzilla
Some people are up in arms about ESPN’s latest power rankings surrounding the Astros.

Read the full column

Baseball's roots have an ally in Elston

added 02/22 by Bob Hulsey
To really understand Gene Elston, the broadcaster, you have to understand Gene Elston the baseball historian.

Read the full column

Camp Competition

added 02/10 by Scott Barzilla
Baseball fans have to find something to focus on during the extended Spring Training that begins in less than a week. When you have a team that is mostly intact from the year before, you have to search for genuine competition somewhere.

Read the full column

A Question of Loyalty

added 02/04 by Scott Barzilla
I normally don’t make it a habit to comment on the work of others. However, my ire on this day is aimed at Brian McTaggart.

Read the full column

How the Other Half Lives

added 01/29 by Scott Barzilla
The airwaves, bulletin boards, and newspapers are buzzing about the "Jeff Bagwell controversy".

Read the full column

Series 'too short' for Astros duo

added 01/21 by Tom Halliburton
Chad Qualls and Adam Everett considered their 2005 World Series experience far too abbreviated for their memories. Hundreds of autograph-seeking Astros fans share their sentiments exactly.

Read the full column

The Bagwell Debate

added 01/18 by Scott Barzilla
Leave it to the Houston Astros to be creative when attempting to generate fan interest during the off-season. First, it was whether they should offer arbitration to Roger Clemens or not. Now, they are generating debate in blogsphere about what to do about Jeff Bagwell.

Read the full column

Is Wilson the Answer?

added 01/11 by Scott Barzilla
We’ve been waiting a season and a half to analyze a significant deal, so it’s time to do this right. The Astros signed Preston Wilson to a one-year contract with a club option for three years.

Read the full column

The Organizational Battle

added 09/15 by Scott Barzilla
It warms my heart to talk about baseball again and why not jump into a huge issue while we do it. An issue was brought up on the boards that I felt needed to be addressed in this space.

Read the full column

Philip Barzilla Interview

added 09/11 by Scott Barzilla
As many of you know, my second cousin, Philip Barzilla, is a pitcher with the Corpus Christi Hooks. I asked Philip and he agreed to field your questions.

Read the full column

John Lauck rescued

added 09/07 by
Astroday author and Astros Daily contributor John Lauck was rescued Monday, September 5.

Read the full column

Seeing True Character

added 09/04 by Scott Barzilla
I hope all of you will excuse me if I put the baseball aside for the time being and discuss what is probably on all of our minds - the devastation in New Orleans.

Read the full column

Astros have no confidence

added 08/29 by Orlando Cepeda
It starts from the top management and so forth, but the Astros are showing that they have no confidence.

Read the full column

Breaking Things Down

added 08/28 by Scott Barzilla
A fan recently threw out a stat that the Astros are nearly unbeatable in August when they score five or more runs and hapless when they score four or less. Like usual, my interest was piqued and I decided to do some further study

Read the full column

Q & A with Greg Lucas

added 08/22 by
Astros broadcaster Greg Lucas answers the latest batch of fan questions.

Read the full column

Two Hurdles

added 08/18 by Scott Barzilla
Things have been tough of late. Meanwhile, the cries for trades can be heard on every message board in Astros land.

Read the full column

The Bullet Proof Charge of Racism

added 08/12 by Scott Barzilla
Once again I feel compelled to comment about something happening outside of Houston. If you haven’t been paying attention to the Larry Krueger situation in San Francisco, I’ll give you a play by play of the last week or so.

Read the full column

Assigning Blame

added 08/06 by Scott Barzilla
I should be talking about the Astros and their amazing run, but I need to get this out of my system before I explode. Bud Selig has to be the worst “commissioner” this sport has ever had.

Read the full column

Goodbye, Mr. C.!

added 08/04 by
Ray "Lee" Cunningham, the oldest former MLB and Cardinal player, was laid to rest Wednesday

Read the full column

A Whole Lotta Nothin’

added 08/01 by Scott Barzilla
Last week I told you I would come back after the trading deadline and look at what the Astros did and what other teams did. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave a lot of stuff for me to cover because this was the worst deadline (as far as deals done) in history probably.

Read the full column

Countdown Week

added 07/25 by Scott Barzilla
We’ve hashed and rehashed the Astros’ situation. Now it's time to take a look at the other wild card competitors and assess what they might do and what they need.

Read the full column

Dog Days of Summer

added 07/19 by Scott Barzilla
At the all-star break it appeared as if the Astros were on the verge of completing another miracle. I was among those ready to gear myself up for another amazing run and then I remembered my old buddy Pythagoras.

Read the full column

Where does character fit in?

added 07/15 by Scott Barzilla
Now that the all-star game has been completed we should focus on the second half of the season, but I want to rewind to the issue that should have never been a part of all-star week in the first place: Kenny Rogers.

Read the full column

Q&A with Greg Lucas

added 07/11 by
FOX Sports baseball analyst and broadcaster Greg Lucas fields your questions about the Astros and baseball in general.

Read the full column

Evaluating Defense

added 07/10 by Scott Barzilla
There is a common debate among the baseball community about whether you can evaluate defense by watching it or by charting it statistically.

Read the full column

Trade Winds Part II

added 07/06 by Scott Barzilla
Using RCAP as an example, Scott runs through a sabertrical primer for fans who may not be familiar with the current state of baseball statistical analysis.

Read the full column

Trade Winds a Blowin’

added 06/30 by Scott Barzilla
As the calendar approaches July 1st, we can see a whole host of teams on the bubble between contending and preparing for 2006. By the end of the month, we will know who is pretending and who is contending.

Read the full column

Nostalgia all the way around

added 06/27 by Scott Barzilla
Drayton McLane is doing what he does best: he’s using that PR brain of his to bring the fans into the seats. When the interleague weekend opened up this past weekend with the Rangers, McLane booked two huge events on back to back nights.

Read the full column

Adjusted Real Value

added 06/21 by Scott Barzilla
Baseball has been more numbers driven than any other sport. Everyone knows numbers like “56”, “755”, and “511”. Unfortunately, this works against meaningful analysis sometimes.

Read the full column

Father's Day

added 06/19 by
Treasure your time with your father; lavish time on your children

Read the full column

What’s the Blueprint? - pt. 4

added 06/16 by Scott Barzilla
Last time we looked at great rotations in history. This time we are going to apply those principles to the Astros.

Read the full column

What’s the Blueprint? - pt. 3

added 06/14 by Scott Barzilla
When your team is in last place and there seems to be no end to the bickering and fighting among fans as to why they’re in last place, it feels good to look back at history. In this edition, we will be looking at the top eight rotations in baseball history.

Read the full column

What’s the Blueprint? - pt. 2

added 06/08 by Scott Barzilla
This is the second of a four part series on the blueprint for the Astros success. This time we will see what the Astros need to do to bring balance to the offense.

Read the full column

What’s the Blueprint? - pt. 1

added 06/02 by Scott Barzilla
Being in a slump is truly a lonely place to be. In this edition we will look at successful offenses in history and the balance they have.

Read the full column

Fun With Pythagoras, pt. 6

added 05/31 by Scott Barzilla
This is the final edition on our series on Pythagorean record. We will simply tie up loose ends and make the data mean something for us after five editions of hard statistics.

Read the full column

Fun With Pythagoras, pt. 5

added 05/26 by Scott Barzilla
In this edition, we look at the affects of defense on the Pythagorean ratings.

Read the full column

Fun With Pythagoras, pt. 4

added 05/23 by Scott Barzilla
Conventional wisdom tells us that a good bullpen is very important in a close game. We will test that conventional wisdom in this edition.

Read the full column

Stating the Obvious

added 05/18 by Scott Barzilla
Scott takes issue with a recent column by Richard Justice in the Houston Chronicle and his eagerness to blame Drayton McLane for the team's current woes

Read the full column

Fun with Pythagoras

added 05/17 by Scott Barzilla
This is the third part of a six part series on the Pythagorean theory. In this edition we will see how the teams fare in terms of offensive efficiency.

Read the full column

Tourists in Asheville

added 05/11 by
Susan and Darrell take in a minor league game in Asheville, North Carolina

Read the full column

Fun with Pythagoras

added 05/09 by Scott Barzilla
This is the second part of a six part series on the Pythagorean record. In this edition, we will look at one run games and the selection of managers as it relates to Pythagorean records.

Read the full column

Fun with Pythagoras

added 05/04 by Scott Barzilla
This is the first part of a six part series on the use of the Pythagorean method. The method is used to determine whether a team has under or overachieved in a particular season or time period.

Read the full column

Abandon Ship?

added 04/30 by Scott Barzilla
Baseball doesn’t lend itself to perspective in April. A sudden five game winning streak or losing streak has fans jumping ship or reserving their World Series tickets. The Astros have had both this season.

Read the full column

Improved Coverage?

added 04/23 by Scott Barzilla
Scott takes a look at the Astros viewing options available to fans

Read the full column

The Science of Building a Lineup

added 04/20 by Scott Barzilla
Over the last couple of weeks we have heard a lot about the Astros lineup. These things usually happen when clubs are scuffling offensively and the Astros attack is certainly scuffling.

Read the full column

A Mountain out of Molehills

added 04/09 by Scott Barzilla
Opening day can be a cruel mistress to a player’s psyche. If you want to inspire violence just ask John Smoltz what his ERA is.

Read the full column

Astros 05 Preview, Fro-style

added 04/01 by Froback
We were World Series Favorites in 04, OH what a difference a year makes!

Read the full column

Is it worth it?

added 03/25 by Scott Barzilla
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the Astros signed Lance Berkman to a six year, 85 million dollar deal. With all of these deals the devil is in the details.

Read the full column

An Open Letter to Management

added 03/17 by Scott Barzilla
I realize you guys are busy right now trying to iron out a 25 man roster, but I had a few thoughts I wanted to pass on by you.

Read the full column

Youth is Served

added 03/09 by Scott Barzilla
Every Spring we find ourselves in the same old trap. Wisdom tells us that we are better off with the devil we know, but many of us are tired of that same old devil. This is year is no different.

Read the full column

New Regime means Exciting Spring

added 02/27 by Scott Barzilla
With Hunsicker gone and a rookie GM in place, who's calling the shots for the Astros?

Read the full column

Hope Springs Eternal

added 02/19 by Scott Barzilla
Scott takes a look at the Astros in their current form and resolves to list the positives he see.s

Read the full column

Off-Season Grades

added 02/07 by Scott Barzilla
Judging by recent events and the advancement of the calendar it looks like the Astros are done. That being the case, I would like to grade the team's moves this off-season and assign blame if the case warrants.

Read the full column

The Circle of Life

added 01/20 by Scott Barzilla
We’ve certainly hashed and rehashed the events of this off-season more than Jim Garrison analyzed the Zabruder footage in JFK. Mistakes were made and mistakes are still being made, but our task is to make the best of the situation as fans.

Read the full column

What Now?

added 01/10 by Scott Barzilla
We could spend a lot of time over what should have been done with the Carlos Beltran negotiations. From the outside looking in, it looks like the deal went dead after the Astros failed to offer Beltran an option for an eighth year and a iron-clad no-trade clause.

Read the full column

New Year’s Resolutions

added 01/02 by Scott Barzilla
I hate to resort to this, but this time of year is really made for the bullet column. Here is a list of new year’s resolutions for the Astros and Major League Baseball.

Read the full column

Winter Meetings Report Card

added 12/21 by Scott Barzilla
Scott evaluates MLB's winners and losers for this year's Winter Meetings

Read the full column

Winning in December?

added 12/13 by Scott Barzilla
The Winter Meetings are in full swing and fans are anxious all around the country. You can talk about the World Series or the non-waiver deadline, but for me there are few times better than the Winter Meetings.

Read the full column

Collateral Damage

added 12/06 by Scott Barzilla
Scott takes on the hot issue of the day: steroids

Read the full column

Calling out Justice

added 12/01 by Scott Barzilla
Scott calls for Chronicle writer Richard Justice to be more skeptical of the financial claims made by the Astros' ownership.

Read the full column

Building a Bench

added 11/29 by Scott Barzilla
The key to building a roster is to look at the roster as a whole. Scott takes a long look at the Astros' bench and what options are available for 2005.

Read the full column

Managers & Playing Experience

added 11/25 by Trevor Williams
Phil Garner was an infielder before becoming a manager. Can his former position influence his managerial success? Guest columnist Trevor Williams looks at managers and their playing backgrounds.

Read the full column

Market Shopping

added 11/23 by Scott Barzilla
Is Beltran worth the money that Scott Boras wants? Scott Barzilla sheds light on the subject, comparing Beltran to the best centerfielders in the majors.

Read the full column

Roger Clemens: Greatest Pitcher Ever?

added 11/19 by Trevor Williams
Is Roger Clemens the greatest pitcher ever? Guest columnist Trevor Williams analyzes where Clemens stands in baseball history.

Read the full column

The Apprentice

added 11/17 by Scott Barzilla
It seems that the Astros are making more news off the field this off-season than on the field. When Gerry Hunsicker resigned we thought there would be a new assistant hired to replace Purpura. The Astros have used the departure of Gerry Hunsicker as an opportunity to reshape their entire organization.

Read the full column

The Burden of money

added 11/14 by Scott Barzilla
It has certainly been an eventful off-season so far for the Astros. Last week, the Astros, Rockets, and Fox Sports Net ironed out an agreement that will take all three into the next decade.

Read the full column

Preview: Astros vs. Braves

added 10/04 by Ray Kerby
A look at the prospects for the Houston Astros in their 2004 Division Series playoff against the Atlanta Braves.

Read the full column

The National Pastime

added 08/22 by Gene Elston
Baseball as we know it today had its beginning in 1845 (although the term “baseball” was first used in the United States in 1791) only 15 years after our Founding Fathers signed our Declaration of Independence in 1776

Read the full column

Visit to Rain-ger Stadium
added 06/27 by Darrell Pittman

Susan and Darrell head to Arlington for the race to the Silver Boot. At the ballpark, we meet some friends. Rain rules.

Read the full column

2004 Astros' First Year Player Draft

added 06/09 by Jeff Schneck
The Astros loaded up for the future by selecting 49 players in the 2004 draft. Come see the break down of who they took, and guess with them who might make us better!

Read the full column

The Inn At the Ballpark
added 05/30 by Darrell Pittman

A weekend indulgence at the new hotel across the street from Minute Maid Park.

Read the full column

A whole lot of good last week

added 04/19 by Willie B. Lakey
Two weeks and 13 games do not a season make. But those first two losses to the Giants sure seem a distant memory as hot as Houston’s playing right now.

Read the full column

Astros, MLB open crazy schedule

added 04/11 by Willie B Lakey
Big crowds, new faces, old voices, long homers, strikeouts, wins, losses and injuries all part of Opening Week’s ups and downs. And, oh yeah, just who is in charge of the MLB schedule anyway?

Read the full column

What a difference a day makes

added 04/09 by Jared Klewein
I don’t know how it sits with other fans, but for me, an Astro-loss hurts a heck of a lot more when it takes place in front of the national media. Such was the case the previous two nights.

Read the full column

Visit to Waco
added 04/09 by Susan and Darrell Pittman

A visit to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco was a wonderful trip, especially on an off-day for the Astros.

Read the full column

Remember, never get too high…..or too low

added 04/06 by Jared Klewein
Well ladies and gents, looks like it’s probably going to take a miracle for the Astros rise above the 1-game hole they dug themselves into Monday night. That’s right, the Cubs won and we lost….. and now we’re one game behind the team that many, including Sports Illustrated, have deemed the 2004 World Series Champs. Oh well, guess the off-season hype was fun while it lasted, right?

Read the full column

Another season, another reason
added 04/05 by Susan and Darrell Pittman

We've survived yet another occurrence of The Void!

Read the full column

MLB and crass commercialism
added 04/02 by Susan and Darrell Pittman

The Great American Pastime goes NASCAR.

Read the full column

MLB and crass commercialism
added 04/01 by Susan and Darrell Pittman

The Great American Pastime goes NASCAR.

Read the full column

Looking for vacation to end

added 01/18 by Willie B. Lakey
With pitchers and catchers slated to report in about three weeks, a most tumultuous offseason is coming to a close. Never has so much bulletin board material been produced by so few in such a short time, to skewer an old quote of Churchill.

Read the full column

Reportando desde Venezuela -III-

added 12/16 by Miguel Delgado
Las estadísticas que refiero en este reporte están actualizadas hasta el día 14 de diciembre de 2003.

Read the full column

After a Whirlwind, the dust settles

added 12/15 by Jeff Schneck
After the flurry of activies this offseaon (just so far), it's time to re-adjust the Fro.

Read the full column

Noticias desde Venezuela -II-

added 11/25 by Miguel Delgado
Las estadísticas que aquí refiero, de los jugadores pertenecientes a la organización de Houston, están actualizadas hasta el día 24 de Noviembre del 2003. Comenzamos con los lanzadores y después con los jugadores de posición

Read the full column

Baseball’s murky money miseries

added 11/17 by Willie B. Lakey
Welcome to As Baseball’s Bottom Line Turns, the sport’s very own soap opera that pits the game’s two elite classes, the owners and the players, against each other. Playing the part of the peasants this week, and always, are the fans.

Read the full column

Noticias desde Venezuela

added 11/11 by Miguel Delgado
En relación con los jugadores pertenecientes a la organización de los Astros, las noticias son bastante buenas en Venezuela. Las estadísticas que aquí refiero están actualizadas hasta el día 10 de Noviembre.

Read the full column

Search'n the Fro for next year's Roster

added 11/06 by Jeff Schneck
Did the Wagner trade really free up our payroll to make any major additions... or are we doomed to searching the slag heap again to plug the holes on our team? Well I decided to pick the Fro to find the answers.

Read the full column

Not enough brains, nor money
added 11/05 by Susan and Darrell Pittman

Unfortunately, the Astros haven't had a lot of those assets.

Look for Drayton to sell, and Hunsicker to move on, after the 2004 season when the All-Star Game is played at Astros Field.

Read the full column

For baseball fans, it’s January 2nd

added 10/27 by Willie B. Lakey
The 2003 season was a long strange trip, full of stale old flavors and exciting new tastes.

Read the full column

Upcoming Birthday List

added 10/07 by Willie B. Lakey
Enos, Roger, El Sid and Pepi just a few former Astros celebrating birthdays this next week.

Read the full column

Nadando por el Mar Caribe

added 10/04 by Miguel Delgado
Las ligas del Caribe están por comenzar. Muchos jugadores vendrán a reforzar a los equipos de los distintos países en la región del Caribe. En Venezuela, país donde vivo, han venido nombres interesantes de jugadores que han formado parte importante del equipo de los Astros.

Read the full column

ABCDEFG
added 10/01 by Todd Brody

The body isn't even cold yet, but here's my postmortem. In this week's column, I grade the Astros starting position players.

Read the full column

Volando con los Astros

added 09/30 by Miguel Delgado
Termina una temporada e inmediatamente se comienzan a plantear inquietudes entre los fanáticos. Este año fue realmente frustrante para los seguidores de los Astros, que hasta hace una semana eran los campeones de la división central de la liga nacional. Cuando uno sigue el día a día de un equipo se pueden observar detalles, se palpan los puntos fuertes y los débiles, se sufre, se goza, en fin se vive la pasión del baseball.

Read the full column

Watching the wheels come off

added 09/28 by Willie B. Lakey
Houston’s race towards the 2003 postseason came up short after a very frustrating and disappointing final week to the season leaving Astros fans with the all too familiar cry of, “Wait ‘til next year!”

Read the full column

One more reason why the Astros don't have a clue
added 09/25 by Todd Brody

Have you seen the latest Astros' promotion? They want everyone to wear red. Am I the only person who sees a problem with this?

Read the full column

Road split cuts into lead

added 09/21 by Willie B. Lakey
The Astros come home for the season’s final week just a half-game ahead of the Cubs. Standing in Houston’s way of a fifth NLC crown in the past seven years are Barry’s Giants and Bud’s Brewers.

Read the full column

‘Stros enjoying 2-game view

added 09/14 by Willie B. Lakey
The Good Guys who wear the star continued one of their finest months of September with a half-dozen wins this past week, including a sweep of the Cards that left Houston with a 2-game lead in the NLC and just two weeks to go in the season.

Read the full column

Good week still leaves club short

added 09/07 by Willie B. Lakey
Houston opened a 10-game roadtrip with a fine 4-2 swing through LA and San Diego. With Roy O on his way back, do the Astros have enough to pull it off in the NLC?

Read the full column

Astros leave town in second

added 09/01 by Willie B. Lakey
Houston blew their biggest homestand with a 6-6 split that dropped them to second in the NLC. Now they embark on a 10-game roadtrip where .500 won’t get it done any longer.

Read the full column

‘Stros split first half of homestand

added 08/24 by Willie B. Lakey
Feast or famine, now you see it, now you don’t, here today, gone tomorrow. What’s your favorite cliché to describe the Astros’ offense?

Read the full column

Somehow still in first

added 08/17 by Willie B. Lakey
Some are calling it the "Comedy Central." But the NL Central really has more drama than a Tennessee Williams play. Opening this week: Astros under a big moldy roof!

Read the full column

Astros weather 3-3 homestand

added 08/10 by Willie B. Lakey
Houston ho-hummed it through a 3-3 homestand this week with an important week on the road looming. Can they get hot or will it be a stormy trip?

Read the full column

Astros hope to knuckle under

added 08/03 by Willie B. Lakey
No Oswalt, no offense, no problem! Houston salvages a roadtrip behind a new knuckleballer.

Read the full column

Schedule central to Astros’ division hopes

added 07/27 by Willie B. Lakey
Houston dropped a game to par on last week’s schedule, the series loss to the Cubs hurting most. If they’re going to win the NLC, they’ll have to battle the schedule as well as the other teams.

Read the full column

Short week nets long results in division

added 07/21 by Willie B. Lakey
With the exception of Jason Giambi taking Billy Wagner deep in the All-Star Game, it was a perfect week for the Astros who are showing signs of taking control of the NL Central.

Read the full column

Astros, the best coaster ride in town!

added 07/14 by Willie B. Lakey
Practically given up for dead a week earlier after being swept in Pittsburgh, the Astros rebounded with a 6-1 homestand that left them atop the NL Central with 50 wins. With the starting pitching coming around and Jeff Kent coming back from the DL, can Houston maintain the momentum after the All-Star break?

Read the full column

A Time For Difficult Decisions
added 07/08 by Todd Brody

Okay, Roy Oswalt is back and the Astros beat the Reds. But in your heart of hearts, do you believe that the Astros have any chance of winning the World Series this season? I don't, and here's what I think the Astros have to do going forward.

Read the full column

Rainbow in Arlington
added 07/06 by Darrell Pittman

Susan and Darrell attend their first-ever games at the Ballpark in Arlington. It's weird when you have to drive 200 miles to get your favorite gear.

Read the full column

June in Review

added 07/03 by Ray Kerby
The Astros limped through a mediocre month in June, but that still didn't keep me from writing another review on the team's performance.

Read the full column

Wade Pulls 'Stros Into First!

added 06/06 by Mike Nixon
My 3-year old brother-in-law, that is, not the pitcher named Miller...

Read the full column

2003 Draft - recap

added 06/04 by Ray Kerby
I take a look at the 19 players that the Astros selected on Day 1 of the 2003 draft. I make no attempt to comment on the Day 2 picks!

Read the full column

May in review

added 06/02 by Ray Kerby
Beyond this link lies an unnecessarily long review of the month of May for the Houston Astros. Click at your own peril!

Read the full column

Astros Minor League Report

added 05/13 by Brian Progar
After a month of play, the minor league system is starting to show some of its future stars and disappointments. Unlike previous years, when the system seemed to be stocked with great pitching performances, it's the position players that are the bright stars in the high minors.

Read the full column

April in Review

added 05/01 by Ray Kerby
A detailed look back at the team's disappointing first month of the 2003 season

Read the full column

First week thoughts
added 04/08 by Raymond Desadier

Aint it great to be baseball season again?

Read the full column

Opening Day

added 04/01 by Gene Elston
Opening days keep popping up quite often, and at no other time are we so clearly reminded what a source of pride a big-league team is to a city.

Read the full column

Astros FanFest 2003

added 02/18 by Mike Nixon

As promised, Saturday the missus and I took her little brother to the annual Astros FanFest at Minute Maid Park. We made it a mission to finally get Craig Biggio's autograph, and were successful in doing so.

Read the full column

A Rose by any other name...
added 12/24 by Susan and Darrell Pittman

...is still Pete Rose. Like it or not, he still bet on baseball, knowingly violating baseball's ultimate sanction. Why let him off now?

A solo effort by Darrell.

Read the full column

So many players, so little money
added 12/23 by Todd Brody

A lot of very serviceable players were not tendered contracts by their teams and are now free agents. Given the contracts these players will ultimately receive, it looks like the Astros drastically overpayed for Jose Vizcaino and Orlando Merced.

Read the full column

Call me nostradamus
added 12/19 by Todd Brody

Yeah, I predicted the Kent deal before the season even ended. But the way that Craig Biggio was treated has left a bad taste in my mouth. And, frankly, I can't figure out where Biggio is going to play next season. Maybe it will be for another team.

Read the full column

added 12/15 by Greg Lucas

Greg Lucas tackles another set of questions from hard-core Astros fans.

Read the full column

The State of the Game
added 12/08 by Gene Elston

Gene Elston's cautionary speech at the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame banquet is presented here.

Read the full column

A Little Boy’s First Baseball Game

added 10/22 by Mike Nixon

An Astro fan recounts from last July an experience many of us have enjoyed: a little boy's first baseball game.

Read the full column

Astros Get Mixed Reviews in Early AFL Action
added 10/18 by Brian Progar

When the Arizona Fall league started on October 1st, the Astros had sent six farmhands to the league that claims players by the name of Garciaparra, Giambi, Pujols, Giles and Jeter among its alumni.

Read the full column

October Hot Stove Baseball
added 10/14 by Todd Brody
Sure, it would be nice if the Astros were actually playing baseball. But since the Astros are spending some quality time with their families, we can get down to the business of talking off-season moves and trashing Drayton McLane.

Read the full column

added 10/09 by Greg Lucas
FoxSports broadcaster Greg Lucas tackles another round of questions from hard-core Astros fans

Read the full column

Hocking Gives A Teammate The Finger, And Other Thoughts
added 10/07 by John Lauck
Celebrating a victory is as risky as achieving a victory is.

Read the full column

The end of a streak
added 09/25 by Todd Brody
Jeff Bagwell's amazing streak of productivity will come to an end if he doesn't score 7 runs in the next four games. Don't talk to me about a lead-off hitter. The Astros need a run-producer to hit behind Bagwell. And Mark Loretta and Geoff Blum don't fit that description.

Read the full column

added 09/24 by Greg Lucas
Greg Lucas tackles another set of question from hard-core Astros fans

Read the full column

Silver lining
added 09/20 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
Stick a fork in 'em, for the Astros are done for this year, but keep looking up

Read the full column

What could be in 2003
added 09/19 by Raymond Desadier
An off-season shopping list including a suggested answer to the center field dilemma.

Read the full column

added 09/15 by Greg Lucas
FoxSports announcer Greg Lucas tackles another round of questions from Astros fans

Read the full column

added 09/04 by Greg Lucas
FoxSports announcer Greg Lucas tackles another round of questions from Astros fans

Read the full column

added 08/29 by Greg Lucas
I am pleased to add this feature by answering questions, and am ready to tackle the first submissions...

Read the full column

Wrong Again
added 08/08 by Todd Brody
Not you, me. Trying to figure out the Astros has done me in. So I'm going to sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy this unbelievable run.

Read the full column

Rhodes Scholars
added 07/25 by Raymond Desadier
These guys are worthy of honorary PhDs!

Read the full column

Enough dilly-dallying, time to make a trade
added 07/22 by Todd Brody
Forget pitching, the Astros need hitters. So here are a few deals the Astros can make even with Drayton McLane threatening to sell the team and with a players' strike looming. Also included in this column are my thoughts about trading pitching prospects and a nice story about my brother and his kids.

Read the full column

There's a train wreck comin'
added 07/19 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
In their mutual instransigence, MLB owners and players conspire to kill the game of baseball, all in the name of greed. Can't both sides just give a little, and respect the game?

Read the full column

MLB's avarice raises its ugly head, yet again
added 07/05 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
In a move that would elate Gordon Gecko of the movie "Wall Street", poster boy for corporate greed, MLB and the Astros once again cut off their nose to spite their face. Apparently, they no longer want Astros fans to have an independent source of news, analysis, and opinion.

Read the full column

Winning one for DK
added 06/24 by Chris Diem
Chris Diem recounts the team's emotional, 12-inning victory over the Mariners on the day that Darryl Kile passed away.

Read the full column

Ivy, Schmivey
added 06/12 by Darrell Pittman
Susan and Darrell attend their first-ever games at Wrigley Field. While the "Friendly Confines" isn't all it's cracked up to be, it's still a nice place to take in a game. Darrell encounters a man of even fewer words than himself who truly shows his metal.

Read the full column

Can the season be salvaged?
added 05/30 by Todd Brody
Losing eight out of ten has seriously damaged the Astros' playoff chances this season. Are the Astros done? And what can the Astros do to become competitive?

Read the full column

Jimy's Danged If He Does,...
added 05/27 by Steve Cutchen
Step up, all you second guessers. All you folks that have been mad at early pulls of starters. The problem is not Jimy's pitcher tactics.

Read the full column

Hitting, in a nutshell
added 05/26 by Raymond Desadier
The Astros can make even the simplest tasks look impossible.

Read the full column

Crossroads
added 05/20 by Raymond Desadier
Is a time of decision fast approaching Shane Reynolds?

Read the full column

Strange Brew
added 05/07 by Darrell Pittman
In their sojourn across the Upper Midwest, Susan and Darrell attend a Brewers game at Miller Park, then a "gay" square dance in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Twins are their next victims.

Read the full column

Meet the Mets, Beat the Mets
added 05/06 by Todd Brody
"Yesterday is dead and tomorrow is blind and I live one day at a time." It's always a good Monday when the Astros take a series -- especially against the Mets -- almost enough to make me forget about the Astros' season so far.

Read the full column

Oh What A Relief It Aint'
added 04/24 by Todd Brody
The decision to sign Billy Wagner to a long-term deal prevented the cash-strapped Astros from signing any quality free agent relief pitchers during the offseason. By leaving middle-relief (which has become a critical part of the game) to scrubs and rookies, the Astros forgot what made the 2001 Astros so successful.

Read the full column

Oh where oh where has our offense gone?
added 04/24 by Raymond Desadier
Oh where oh where can it be...??

Read the full column

The Shadow Government
added 04/21 by Gene Elston
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has turned his office into what is reminiscent of the title of a 1958 Navy submarine movie, RUN SILENT - RUN DEEP.

Read the full column

Teacher?
added 04/13 by Raymond Desadier
Just what was the curriculum this spring?

Read the full column

A game at "Cell Phone Park"
added 04/11 by Darrell Pittman
If you're only interested in Astros games, don't read this one. Susan and Darrell take in a Giants' game at San Francisco's Pac Bell Park.

Read the full column

No one was injured
added 04/09 by Todd Brody
The Astros ended their first week with four wins and three losses. Not a bad start, except for the fact that two of the losses were against chief division rival St. Louis. Here are some observations from the first week and some comments about Craig Biggio's intention to play three more seasons.

Read the full column

St. Louis will win the Central
added 04/07 by Steve Cutchen
St. Louis is simply a more fundamentally sound baseball team than the Astros. Sure, we won the game today. But probably because of the way the Cardinals were forced to use their bullpen on Friday.

Read the full column

Sinking, or swimming?
added 04/07 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
As usual, a good performance by the Astros in the Spring leads to an iffy regular season start. How will will the Good Guys do over the long haul?

Read the full column

Spiers given fitting sendoff
added 04/03 by Darrell Pittman
The Great One, Bill Spiers, is honored before well-wishers at Jones Plaza in downtown Houston, and throws out the first pitch for 2002

Read the full column

Sunk Costs
added 03/27 by Raymond Desadier
Like Enron, it seems Hunsicker & Co. skipped a few too many business classes.

Read the full column

Will the real “Lip” stand up?
added 03/26 by Gene Elston
The heist by Ruben Rivera of Derek Jeter’s bat and glove pulled off recently in the Yankees clubhouse during spring training, not surprisingly elicited the legend of Leo Durocher’s theft of Babe Ruth’s watch in 1929.

Read the full column

M&M's - back-to-back Milleniums
added 03/16 by Gene Elston
Statistics and records are two of the many things that have made the game of baseball so great. However, it has been some twenty or so years since I have seen anything in print regarding the players who have participated in the most decades.

Read the full column

Disgracing Duct Tape
added 03/14 by Raymond Desadier
Gerry, you're replaceable, Billy is not.

Read the full column

Astros make good with small deal
added 03/12 by Todd Brody
In a small move today, the Astros traded Chris Truby to the Montreal Expos for Geoff Blum. While Blum is a switch hitter, don't expect the Astros to platoon Blum at third. Blum, most likely, is Astros latest attempt to find the next Billy Spiers.

Read the full column

How it all started
Houston Astro radio great Gene Elston kicks off a series of daily updates to commemorate the upcoming 40th anniversary reunion for the 1962 Colt .45s

Read the latest update

Astros Field
added 03/03 by Raymond Desadier
For Heaven’s sake, LEAVE IT ALONE!!

Read the full column

Early Contraction
added 02/27 by Gene Elston
There is no question the quality of our lives has improved over the last 100 years. However, very often today we hear the phrase "life used to be so simple."

Read the full column

It's About the Game And Not The Names
added 02/17 by Gene Elston
It's like a waft of fresh spring air, to traditionalists like me, to hear as the baseball season returns, the names: Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium, Veterans Stadium, Busch Stadium, Fenway Park, Comiskey Park, Yankee Stadium and Skydome.

Read the full column

The Smell is in the Air
added 02/10 by Raymond Desadier
Fan Fest has fueled my anxiety for the upcoming season and the position battles that come with it.

Read the full column

Done
added 02/06 by Todd Brody
These are your Houston Astros. You'd better learn to love them, because the Astros aren't going to be making any changes -- not any time soon.

Read the full column

2001 'Lugie' Awards
added 01/02 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
Susan and Darrell hock up their 'Lugies' for 2001. The award, named in honor of perennially error-prone shortstop Julie Lugo, celebrates the most bone-headed moves made by baseball people this past season.

Read the full column

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
added 12/12 by John Lauck
Brian Hunter will be a good addition to the Astros. But most of us want more than that out of our off-season.

Read the full column

How Much is Enough?
added 11/09 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
In a solo effort, Darrell examines the hyprocrisy of the proposed MLB contraction.

Read the full column

Contraction Traction What's The Action
added 11/07 by Todd Brody
Contraction is a good idea. But isn't it just like baseball to screw it up? Here are the three contraction options being discussed right now and here is why all are fatally flawed. Oh, I tell you how contraction should really work.

Read the full column

I have a dream
added 11/06 by Todd Brody
Call me crazy. Call me a fool. But the Astros can be the big winner in the off-season free agent sweepstakes. And here's how they do it.

Read the full column

Dial M for Jimy?
added 11/05 by Todd Brody
His managerial decisions might drive us crazy. His press-conferences might be incomprehensible. His name might be spelled wrong. But Jimy Williams is the right man for the Astros managerial job.

Read the full column

I'm A Loser Baby . . . So Why Don't You Shoot Me
added 10/29 by Todd Brody
Years of playoff losses, to teams the Astros should have beaten, have taken a toll on the veteran core of the Astros. Firing Larry Dierker was the correct move. What else can be done to removing the losing stigma that hangs over the Astros? Here's what I think.

Read the full column

Keep Dierker?
added 10/12 by Susan and Darrell Pittman
To Susan, Dierker needs to go. To Darrell, it's McLane. Read their opinions, then you decide.

Read the full column

Cardinals 94, Astros 92, Cubs 90
added 10/04 by Steve Cutchen
A pennant race of the most nerve-wracking kind. It will be best 2 of 3 at St. Louis for the division title. The loser could miss the playoffs. By beating the prediction for the third time in the last four series, St. Louis moves to 2 games over. Houston loses a game to the prediction for the third straight series. And the Cubs match by taking 2 from the Reds. The projection now stands at Cardinals 94, Astros 92, Cubs 90. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Astros 93, Cardinals 93, Cubs 90
added 09/30 by Steve Cutchen
St. Louis matches the prediction sweeping the Pirates. But Houston falls by a game at Wrigley, losing 3 of 4. With 8 of the final 10 series complete, the Astros and Cardinals are both one game better than my prediction. The projection now stands at Astros 93, Cardinals 93, Cubs 90. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Astros 94, Cardinals 93, Cubs 89
added 09/26 by Steve Cutchen
St. Louis takes 2 of 3 at Enron. The Cubs end their road play for 2001 with a 1-2 series loss to Pittsburgh. My prediction stands at Astros 94, Cardinals 93, Cubs 89. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Astros 95, Cardinals 92, Cubs 90
added 09/23 by Steve Cutchen
Houston defends the home field, going 2-1 over Chicago. Meanwhile, the Cardinals continue to beat up on lowly competition, taking 3 of 4 from the Bucs. My prediction stands at Astros 95, Cardinals 92, Cubs 90. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Baseball's Place as a Nation Recovers
added 09/20 by Steve Cutchen
In 1918, Baseball was ruled "nonessential" by Secretary of War Newton Baker. Yet a little over a month after Pearl Harbor, FDR said, "It would be best for the country to keep baseball going." After last week's national tragedy, and amidst great ceremony, baseball resumed Monday, contributing in part to the unifying of America. Yes, this Knuckleball looks at the pennant races and the series just past. But it also looks at the history of baseball in times of national crisis.

Read the full column

Astros 93, Cardinals 91, Cubs 90
added 09/09 by Steve Cutchen
Houston's six consecutive series win streak is broken as Milwaukee takes 2 of 4 at Enron. Meanwhile, the Cubs continue their freefall, getting swept by the Braves at Wrigley. And the Cards take the final series of the year with the Dodgers, going 2-1 at Busch. My prediction stands at Astros 93, Cardinals 91, Cubs 90. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Is it broke? If so, fix it?
added 09/06 by Susan Evans and Darrell Pittman
Susan and Darrell examine the state of baseball today, and ponder what, if anything, is to be done. A Major League Merger is considered.

Read the full column

Astros 94, Cubs 92, Cardinals 91
added 09/05 by Steve Cutchen
Houston wins their sixth consecutive series, going 2-1 over Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Cubs fall twice in Florida, including a heartbreaking bullpen failure in game 3. And out on the Left Coast, St. Louis pitching dominates San Diego as the Red Birds sweep. My prediction stands at Astros 94, Cubs 92, Cardinals 91. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Almonte, Little League and Play vs. Sport
added 09/04 by Steve Cutchen
Danny Almonte is big news. Is Youth Sport inherently flawed? Should we just let kids play without us? This Knuckleball examines the issue of 'Sport' versus 'Play.'

Read the full column

Astros 93, Cubs 93, Cardinals 90
added 09/02 by Steve Cutchen
Houston takes care of business in Milwaukee. But the Cubs do great in Atlanta. With the Dodgers taking 2 against St. Louis, my prediction stands at Astros 93, Cubs 93, Cardinals 90. This Knuckleball presents the update.

Read the full column

Astros 93, Cubs 92, Cardinals 91
added 08/30 by Steve Cutchen
I'll be predicting the final wins for the season for the Astros, Cubs and Cardinals after each of the final 10 series of the year. After 1 series, we are at Astros 93, Cubs 92, Cardinals 91. This Knuckleball presents the calculations.

Read the full column

A few thoughts for the stretch
added 08/20 by Todd Brody
With the Astros now in first place (despite losing two of three to the Cubs) it is a good time to talk about the outlook for the next few weeks, the current injury situation, the starting rotation for next year, and Drayton McLane's continued cries of poverty.

Read the full column

Hunsicker and the 40 Man Roster
added 08/06 by Steve Cutchen
Folks seem to ALWAYS second guess Gerry Hunsicker's roster moves. But Gerry is under not only salary constraints. He's also under the pressure of the 40 Man Roster. Sometimes, you have to trim from the top. This Knuckleball looks at trying to work within a 40-man roster.

Read the full column

Beanball Bingo
added 08/05 by Steve Cutchen
Umpires are issuing warnings left and right. Batters are still getting hit. Sometimes the pitcher goes, sometimes not. What's the deal? This Knuckleball explores this issue of Beanball Bingo.

Read the full column

Villone In For Miller
added 08/05 by Steve Cutchen
The Astros lost Wade Miller after one pitch today. A rough way to celebrate Astros Family Day. But Villone and company filled in nicely for a 4-1 win and an important sweep of the lowly Montreal Expos.

Read the full column

Hunsicker on Baseball Tonight
added 07/31 by Steve Cutchen
Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker was interviewed on ESPN's Baseball Tonight, covering topics such as the trading deadline and Moises Alou. Not everyone was up this late, so I transcribed his comments for you.

Read the full column

"Just a .500 team"
added 07/29 by Raymond Desadier
No one has disagreed with this statement more than I. Until now.

Read the full column

Lefty Malarkey
added 07/19 by Raymond Desadier
It’s time to get to the bottom of this “Astros need more left-handed pitching” garbage.

Read the full column

Rocker Falters
added 07/17 by Darrell Pittman
The Astros stage a dramatic eighth-inning comeback off our old nemesis, John Rocker. How sweet it is!

Read the full column

Redding for the Big Time
added 07/15 by Steve Cutchen
The Astros played a prototype game illustrating how to win with young starting pitching. Redding worked five innings. Then we brought in 4 closers... Cruz, Dotel, Jackson and Wagner. If we are to win with our young starting staff, we are going to need to do it like this.

Read the full column

Looking Ahead
added 07/14 by John Lauck
"Don't look back," pitcher Satchel Paige once said. "Somebody might be gaining on you." Do they remember that remark in Chicago?

Read the full column

Shaner's Lamer
added 07/13 by Darrell Pittman
Everyone's entitled to a bad day once in a while, but did it have to come on a day that the Cubs won? The Astros fumbled badly just when they needed to build on their recent momentum for the second-half pennant race.

Read the full column

Halfway Heroes
added 07/08 by Raymond Desadier
I’d like to recognize some of the contributions and lack thereof from Pre-All Star play.

Read the full column

Being Bobby Valentine
added 07/04 by Matthew Becker
With All-Star selections revealed today for the National League, most Astros fans complained about Biggio not being selected. How hard is it to pick the reserves? Here's my quest to find out the truth.

Read the full column

Preparing for the stretch run
added 07/01 by Raymond Desadier
Now is the time to dedide whether the team is truly prepared to make a run for the Central and go deep in the post season.

Read the full column

Jose Lima does it to us again
added 06/27 by Todd Brody
Jose Lima consistently found a way to hurt the Astros and his trade last week was nothing different. This was a bad deal for the Astros, who probably should have released Lima outright. Here is my take on the latest Smith to Smith deal as well as a few quick thoughts on the Astros.

Read the full column

Photo Finish
added 06/25 by Darrell Pittman
Photo Day at Enron Field begins with taking photos of the players, meeting a new friend in the process, a lost credit card, a nice lunch, watching a ballgame together, and ends with yet another photo. And, oh... by the way... the Astros won :-)

Read the full column

More Noises About Moises
added 06/24 by Steve Cutchen
Darrell and Susan's inaugural Double Play column took on the issue of Moises Alou. I agree with their opposing views...

Read the full column

Alou or Not Alou?
added 06/23 by Susan Evans and Darrell Pittman
What to do with Alou? Keep him? Trade him? Let him go free agent? Hug him? Dis him? Susan and Darrell disagree. Where do you stand?

Read the full column

Astros Sweep Rockies
added 06/21 by Darrell Pittman
In their first-ever home sweep of the Colorado Rockies, the Astros are shining bright. And on Saturday, the ballpark is going to be a zoo!

Read the full column

Billy the Kid is Back
added 06/20 by Darrell Pittman
After yet another impressive outing from rookie starter Roy Oswalt, veteran closer Billy Wagner returns from the DL to prove he can still close a game in style.

Read the full column

Powell paying for past sins
added 06/17 by Raymond Desadier
This is for the benefit of those who did not understand the brash treatment of Jay Powell last Friday night.

Read the full column

"This Could Be The Ballgame Pitch..."
added 06/17 by Steve Cutchen
That's what I told Ryan just before A-Rod poked a 3-2 pitch over the Crawford boxes to give the Rangers the winning margin. Biggio hits two homers in three pitches. But bad pitching and no help at the plate spoil father's day at Enron for the Astros and their following.

Read the full column

Gunfight at Enron Corral
added 06/17 by Darrell Pittman
Tony McKnight's 2001 MLB debut was a rare pitcher's duel at Enron Field, and a jewel of a game to watch. That the Astros wind up on top 2-1 was sweeter still. As my Mom's family would say, winning was just "lagniappe".

Read the full column

Dierker makes lemonade
added 06/10 by Ray Kerby
In stark contrast to Friday night's tense game between the Astros and the Rangers, Saturday's contest turned into a laugher rather quickly. Considering the lopsided score, I think that manager Larry Dierker did a fine job of minimizing the damage.

Read the full column

Behind enemy lines in Arlington
added 06/09 by Ray Kerby
As a displaced Astros fan living just north of Dallas, I had a great opportunity to see the first Astros-Rangers game and also to see what it's like being the "enemy" in another team's stadium.

Read the full column

Now batting 2 ½ nd, Lance Berkman
added 06/08 by Raymond Desadier
It's time to move Lance Berkman, get through Elarton's thick head and revamp the website before it's too late!!

Read the full column

Draft someone capable of outdoing Hambone
added 06/06 by Raymond Desadier
Instead of rambling over Greed Hampton handing us over a defeat, I'm going to keep the wrap-up short. It is obvious that Wade Miller still lacks the Big League edge it takes to be an ace as evidenced by his 6th inning crumble after getting 2 outs. With stuff as good as his, he should not have been beaten so badly, even if he was due for a bad outing.

Read the full column

Bogar?!? Gagne With a Spoon...
added 06/03 by Steve Cutchen
You'll probably hear that the pitching collapsed again. Well, the real flop was from our bats. Castilla made the game respectable, but Bagwell, Berkman, Alou and Hidalgo went two for fifteen in a game Vinny Castilla almost won single-handedly.

Read the full column

Oswalt Shines in Starting Debut
added 06/02 by Darrell Pittman
My sons and I witness Roy Oswalt's shining performance. In keeping with "Kids' Opening Day" at Enron Field, they write part of the article.

Read the full column

Bagwell as leader? Bah. Humbug.
added 05/31 by Steve Cutchen
Today's Houston Chronicle has a story by Jose de Jesus Ortiz praising Jeff Bagwell's quiet leadership. This Knuckleball presents a differing view. Jeff is an awesome individual contributor. But leadership? A leader incites, provokes, consoles, inspires. Quiet leadership is an oxymoron.

Read the full column

The Fatman Cometh?
added 05/24 by Todd Brody
During the offseason, I said that the Astros HAD to make a deal for David Wells. With trade talks increasing between the Astros and White Sox concerning the oft-misunderstood left-hander, I turn, once again to the subject of David Wells.

Read the full column

Astros discover Lima sucks
added 05/21 by Todd Brody
For two years, the Astros have been telling us that Lima continues to show great improvement. The Astros now appear to be waking from this delusion and the only question remaining is how long it will take for the Astros to make a move.

Read the full column

How to Lose a Ballgame
added 05/21 by Darrell Pittman
Jose Lima couldn't strike out the Ladies' Auxiliary of Old Confederate Soldiers' Home, even if they were wearing blindfolds. How much longer will the Astros allow this charade to go on?

Read the full column

Can I Manage, Please? Or At Least Hit For Hayes?
added 05/21 by Steve Cutchen
My son and I got to meet Larry Dierker and get a personal tour of Enron. But our hero-worship evaporated after we watched all of the bonehead moves he made, the Astros handing the Reds the game Sunday, 6 to 5.

Read the full column

93-69? Don't bet the farm!
added 05/20 by Matthew Becker
A quarter of the way through the season, the Astros' record projects to 93-69, a performance that would all but guarantee a playoff spot come September. However, the Astros fall short of the consistency required to keep this pace.

Read the full column

Back in the Saddle
added 05/20 by Darrell Pittman
A gem of a win. Reporting on a home game for once. What pitching problems? Do they serve crow at Ruggles? Dancing in the aisles. Meeting a celeb.

Read the full column

At the Quarter Pole
added 05/20 by John Lauck
Forty games of a baseball season is not a lot of time by which to judge how things are going, but we can begin to make a few assessments of how the Astros are performing even with this small a sample.

Read the full column

Chris Truby and the Hard Facts of Baseball
added 05/16 by Steve Cutchen
The Vinny Castilla signing was the right thing to do. And by now you've seen and heard much to support it. But what of Chris Truby? Why not keep Chris and release Charlie Hayes? This Knuckleball examines both the Castilla signing and the Truby move. Once again, Gerry Hunsicker has outthought us all.

Read the full column

Great Move. Yes, you are all wrong.
added 05/15 by Todd Brody
The Astros signed a third-baseman today who has more career home runs than anyone on the team with the exception of Jeff Bagwell, the Astros didn't have to give up a single player to sign him, and he is going to cost less than $200,000. And yet, you all complain. Here's why, once again, you're all wrong.

Read the full column

Brower Showers Early
added 05/15 by Darrell Pittman and Susan Evans
A pitcher chased, his hopes lie waste. The wonders of Cincinnati shopping on a Sunday. Exhibitionism in the parking garage. Poetic justice. The trip home.

Read the full column

Porkopolis Blues
added 05/13 by Darrell Pittman
After a rainout Friday night, the Good Guys split a twin-bill with the Reds. Susan and I find much to like in Cincy. Film at 11.

Read the full column

Craig Biggio and the Hall of Fame
added 05/06 by Ray Kerby
With Craig Biggio recently picking up his 2000th career hit in Montreal, the time seems right to comprehensively evaluate his case for Hall of Fame induction.

Read the full column

Just when you thought the situation was muddled...
added 05/03 by Darrell Pittman
Okay, I wasn't 'At The Game' this series. I watched the game on TV just like everyone else. But the good guys are at a critical watershed, and the situation is, in my view, even more muddled than before.

Read the full column

Move Along, Nothing to See Here
added 05/02 by Todd Brody
After two games at Shea, I've seen nothing to suggest that this team is any better than last year's team. And I'm wondering whether it is really worth the abuse that I subject myself going to see the Astros play at Shea -- especially with "Drawves -- Not a Fairy Tale" showing on HBO tonight.

Read the full column

One month down, five to go
added 05/01 by Ray Kerby
With a month of baseball in the ledger book, now is a good time to step back and evaluate how far the Astros have come since last year's debacle and how far they still need to go.

Read the full column

Decision Time
added 04/29 by Darrell Pittman
Having personally watched Jose Lima's meltdown against the Florida Marlins on Friday night, I am convinced that it is time for the Astros to pull the plug on Lima and put him in the bullpen, and put Bottenfield in the rotation in his place.

Read the full column

It's closing time for Lima time
added 04/27 by Todd Brody
Yes, it's early in the season. Yes, he has only had four starts. But it is time for the Astros to get rid of Jose Lima, regardless of how he pitches tonight. And no one will be more sad than myself because Lima is a real throwback to the time when players actually cared about the fans.

Read the full column

Left-Handed Madness
added 04/25 by Todd Brody
I'm left-handed myself. I'm certainly not a self-hating lefty (although I do bat right-handed). Even my politics are left-leaning. But I simply cannot understand the fascination that Gerry Hunsicker has with left-handed pitchers. Just because a pitcher is left-handed does not make him Randy Johnson or Mike Hampton.

Read the full column

USA? Meet Wade Miller!
added 04/23 by Steve Cutchen
On ESPN Sunday Night Baseball, the Astros win a series clinching game against the Central Division rivals St. Louis Cardinals. Wade Miller stepped on the national stage and did nothing less than pitch great, assuming the NL lead in strikeouts. But more important, this was a game we would probably have lost last year.

Read the full column

A Tale of Two Pitchers
added 04/15 by Susan Evans and Darrell Pittman
Two very different pitchers showed up for Saturday’s Cardinals-Astros game. One started strong but got shaky. The other started shaky, but then settled in and got strong. We’ll describe the game itself later.

Read the full column

ROAD TRIP!
added 04/14 by Susan Evans and Darrell Pittman
After a sudden inspiration Wednesday night, my fiancee Susan and I decided to load the car and drive up to Saint Louis to see the Astros take on the Cardinals.

Read the full column

Connected To The Game
added 04/13 by John Lauck
My classmates laughed at me in 1968 when Detroit got down to St. Louis 3 games to 1 in the World Series and I said the Tigers would come back and win it, but I called it, my friends, I called it.

Read the full column

Who the Heck is Aramis Ramirez?
added 04/08 by Steve Cutchen
Aramis Ramirez sees eight pitches and hits three home runs. Scott Elarton reverts to his Spring Training form. Two 'first time' pitchers step up for the Bucs. Pirates win 9-3. Is this Deja Vu all over again?

Read the full column

Miller Time! I'm 3 Sheets to the Wind!
added 04/05 by Steve Cutchen
OK... so I wasn't AT the game in body, but I was in spirit! I've collected some insight on this Game Three of the season from my scorecard.

Read the full column

Our Predictions for 2001
added 04/01 by The Astros Daily staff
The 2001 Opening Day is imminent, meaning that it’s time for everyone to make their predictions for the upcoming season. Naturally, that includes the contributors of The Astros Daily.

Read the full column

A Total Baseball afternoon
added 03/24 by Ray Kerby
I finally picked up the latest edition of Total Baseball and realized that this book may be the only one that gives the Astros greats their due. Take a look at some of the information I stumbled across while leafing through the book's 2500+ pages.

Read the full column

Under the Clouds in Kissimmee
added 03/18 by David Duez
David Duez wraps up his trip to Florida with his observations from the team's 2-1 victory over the Phillies.

Read the full column

Quick Thoughts from Kissimmee
added 03/17 by David Duez
Longtime Astro fan David Duez gives his first-hand observations on the Astros during his visit to Florida.

Read the full column

Catcher ERA: The Sequel
added 03/16 by Steve Cutchen
In the Astros Daily Forum, David in Jackson brought up something that I posted about in my very first Knuckleball... Can a catcher's performance really affect pitcher performance? This sequel Knuckleball provides more insight.

Read the full column

Hakeem. And Jeff. And Craig.
added 03/14 by Steve Cutchen
So we've seen Hakeem Olajuwon for the last time in a Rocket's uniform. Damn. This Knuckleball asks how great is it to experience special hometown athletes like this? And what are YOUR responsibilities, Astro Fan?

Read the full column

Life on the Farm
added 03/09 by John Lauck
Last year, a lot of fans from Houston drove up to Round Rock to see the Express play. This year, if they play as well as they are capable, the Zephyrs may make a road trip to New Orleans quite worthwhile.

Read the full column

The Long Grind Begins
added 03/01 by John Lauck
When he was a broadcaster for the Astros and needed to put some troublsome period for the ballclub in a broad perspective, Larry Dierker used to say of the major league baseball season that it was, more than anything else, long. Friends, ready or not, the long grind is once again upon us.

Read the full column

2001 Central Division Champions: The Milwaukee Brewers??
added 02/23 by Matthew Becker
With the season upon us, and most writers only counting the Cardinals, Astros, and Reds as having a chance at winning the division, one team is constantly overlooked. Is this the year of the beer men?

Read the full column

Meluskey/Ausmus Part Deux
added 02/14 by Todd Brody
It takes a big man to admit that he might be wrong, and I'm a big man. Maybe the Ausmus/Meluskey trade wasn't so bad. And because I love you so much, here's a movie review as well.

Read the full column

Know Thy Enemy
added 02/14 by John Lauck
Enough about the Astros already. Any dodo knows that in a team sport, you have to spend at least some of your time paying attention to the teams you play in your own division.

Read the full column

Conventional Wisdom?
added 02/11 by Steve Cutchen
The Hot Stove season is finally coming to an end, with Spring Training right around the corner. All during the off season, we at Astros Daily have posted links to the various prognostications. So what is the consensus? And did they get it right?

Read the full column

An Interview with J.R.
added 01/31 by Ray Kerby
Thanks to the Honor J.R. campaign, I was fortunate enough to be put in contact with J.R. Richard himself. After a brief introduction, J.R. was gracious enough to answer a few questions and agreed to have them put up on The Astros Daily. Enjoy!

Read the full column

Thunder Off The Bench
added 01/31 by John Lauck
As a player for the Astros, there's one thing about Daryle Ward of which we can be certain: when he hits the ball, it goes a long way. Trouble is, for both Ward and the Astros' management, he needs to hit the ball far more often in 2001 in order to be considered successful.

Read the full column

Dotel Anybody, But Octavio's a Key Man
added 01/25 by John Lauck
With Shane Reynolds out until at least May (and perhaps longer) with a surgically-repaired knee, and Jose Lima's ability to regain his control and composure pitching at home and on the road under serious question, Octavio Dotel may emerge as the most important man in the Astros' revamped starting rotation.

Read the full column

Deshaies gets his due
added 01/18 by Ray Kerby
As the Hall of Fame campaign for Jim Deshaies closes shop, criticism is now coming from all sides about Houston Chronicle writer John Lopez and his decision to cast a vote for Deshaies. Personally, I don't see what all of the fuss is about.

Read the full column

Meluskey - Good Riddance!
added 01/12 by Steve Cutchen
There's been a lot of bashing by Astros hot stovers over the Meluskey for Ausmus deal. This Knuckleball is an alternative view.

Read the full column

The Five Men In
added 01/11 by John Lauck
Everybody knows that, going into the 2001 season, the Astros' most obvious weakness is their pitching staff. Everybody also knows that their strength is their outfield. But while GM Gerry Hunsicker has made several moves this off-season to shore up the pitching, and is working diligently to keep the powerhouse outfield intact for the next few years, not much attention has yet been paid to another part of the ball club that may be as crucial as any other part to the fortunes of the team this year: the infield.

Read the full column

Will the Astros make the playoffs next season?
added 01/09 by Todd Brody and Ray Kerby
Todd and Ray take opposing sides in the burning question at the forefront of every Astros fan's mind. Will the Astros make the playoffs? Read Todd's point and Ray's counterpoint and decide for yourself who was the most convincing.

Read the full column

What to do in 2002?
added 01/07 by Matthew Becker
Does this team have any money left to compete after 2001? Here are the numbers, the solutions are a little harder to come by.

Read the full column

Mirror, mirror...
added 01/03 by Ray Kerby
January is here and the Astros and their fans must certainly be welcoming the new year. After all, 2000 was certainly nothing for Astros fans to write home about, and we are all glad that last season is behind us. Or is it?

Read the full column

Nightmare on Crawford Street
added 12/27 by Matthew Becker
Looking at the lineup and the depth on this team, if Jeff Bagwell sustains any type of serious injury, the chances of Houston winning any reasonable amount of games (not to mention any shot at the division) are completely flushed down the toilet.

Read the full column

Gehrig, McGwire... Bagwell?
added 12/27 by Ray Kerby
Everyone in Houston knows that Jeff Bagwell is a star, but does he really stack up well against his peers? And will he eventually earn a seat at the table of Hall of Famers? Inquiring Astros fans want to know...

Read the full column

Dirty Rotten Scoundrel
added 12/19 by Ray Kerby
Tuesday was a day of contrasts. In one moment, Drayton McLane makes his "poor man" case. In another, he's signing Jeff Bagwell for $17 million a year. OK, so which is it?

Read the full column

Time To Win
added 12/18 by Todd Brody
Last week when I suggested trading Wilfredo as part of a package for Wells I was told that you can't "mortage the future" for a thirty-eight year old pitcher. Well, you're wrong. And here's why.

Read the full column

A Hazy Shade of Winter
added 12/13 by John Lauck
Baseball’s winter meetings used to give fans not only something to talk about over the long, cold, gray months from December to March, but also a sense of hope that their team could either defend its championship from the previous year or blossom into a contender. Not so any more.

Read the full column

Just how bad does this deal suck?
added 12/13 by Todd Brody
Can't sleep? Can't eat? Trade still gnawing at your gut? Don't worry, I've hashed it all out for you. Here is why the deal sucks, and here is the only way in which the deal makes sense.

Read the full column

The Catcher Swap: Who Won?
added 12/12 by Ray Kerby
My timing is terrible. Just two days ago I sat down to write my next column about the team's lack of winter activity. Given the team's poor track record in previous winters, the title was going to be "No News is Good News". And with the Meluskey trade now the latest addition to the Astros' trade lore, my gut feeling was that I couldn't have been more right. But I was wrong.

Read the full column

How Uncle Alkie Saved Baseball
added 12/11 by Alkie
Contracts for more than $250M? Free agents only available for 6 defined teams? Teams trading the same players...AGAIN???

TURN BACK NOW! THIS WAY LIES MADNESS!!!

I know that no one has actually come out and formally asked me to fix the game, but I know that you all were thinking it, so here goes.

Read the full column

Love is in the Air
added 11/29 by Ray Kerby
What is it with you people? I start an Astro fan site and you go bonkers! Well before everyone jumps to conclusions about the intentions of this site and its relationship to Kev & Scott's Astros Connection, let me set the record straight before any more time is wasted over this non-issue.

Read the full column

A Long, Cold Winter
added 11/25 by Ray Kerby
What a difference a year makes. One winter, your team is a three-time division champion coming off of the two most successful seasons in franchise history, and then suddenly it has become a floundering team in need of a big-name free agent to merely get back to .500. What happened?

Read the full column