Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
April 26, 2006
Adding Offense

Chris Burke won a rare start at shortstop tonight. If the Astros were trying to get the offense back on track with the move, it worked as Burke hit two doubles to help Houston to an 8-5 win over the Dodgers. Once again, a great start was followed up by poor relief pitching as Astacio faced three batters and allowed three runs. The pen's ERA is now 6.30. It appears opponents should try to chase the Astros starters early.


Posted by David Pinto at 11:17 PM | Games | TrackBack (0)
Comments

I wouldn't say he won it so much as Adam Everett got hurt...

Posted by: Dave at April 26, 2006 11:29 PM

Burke needs to start every day. Guy is too good to be benched in favor of guys like Biggio, Everett and Wilson who just aren't as good. Especially Everett, who sucks and has always sucked.

Can Burke play short every day?

Posted by: James at April 27, 2006 12:06 AM

everett has the best glove in the ML. burke is a fine athlete, but he ain't no everett

burke should be playing a LOT in left and he should be relieving biggio every 3 to 4 starts

Posted by: lisa gray at April 27, 2006 12:45 AM

Everett ain't no MLB hitter, though. He's useless offensively. And on a team so starved for offense, you would think Burke would get regular playing time.

At least to appease my fantasy team.

Double negatives FTW.

Posted by: James at April 27, 2006 02:43 AM

The Astros aren't starved for offense this year. They're third in the NL is runs per game, behind only the Reds and Rockies. All three of these teams get offensive help from their ballparks, though Coors has been playing oddly low-scoring so far this year.

And Biggio is off to one of his best starts ever at .321/.363/.536. Still, Burke could use some more time, especially in left where Wilson has been stinking (.213/.256/.375). And subbing him for Biggio once in a while might help turn Craig's start into a solid season.

Posted by: Casey Abell at April 27, 2006 10:22 AM

Everett sucks??

Real Astro fans know Adam struggled last year with injuries and worry over his baby daughter's tumor.

He started this year knowing his daughter's operation was successful and he is injury free - until hit on the hand by a pitch Tuesday night. He is hitting .273, picking up key 2 out hits, and provides great speed on the bases.

And its his glove that means so much to the Astros. We are top tier in DPs, fielding %, and our starters have the best ERA in the league, thanks in part to great fielding behind them.

If you drafted Everett as your fantasy SS and expect offense, too bad. If you are an Astro fan and care about winning, then don't mess with Everett. Even Phil knows better.

Burke is a real talent and will get much PT. I'm not too impress with Peason in left, and Biggio needs a day off now and then. And don't forget Bruntlett, who plays a better SS than even Burke. We're lucky to have so much flexibility.

Posted by: James at April 27, 2006 10:28 AM

If it weren't for the bullpen, the Astros would be playing in a higher league. The starters are first in the NL with a terrific 2.89 ERA, and the hitters have been producing lots of runs.

But the bullpen reeks so far this year: a 6.30 ERA, second-last in the league. Last night's game was typical. Houston scored plenty and the starter did fine. But things got a little testy because of a poor relief stint.

My guess is that the pen will come around eventually. I don't expect Lidge to end the season with a plus-six ERA. Meanwhile, the team is making hay with a lot of early victories, thanks to the hitters and the rotation.

Posted by: Casey Abell at April 27, 2006 10:40 AM
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