2004 Houston Astros Dynasty

[Klew1986]

This is my first dynasty on the ootp boards, so I will need a lot of suggestions.

I plan to take the Astros to the NLCS, if I'm able to win the NL Central.

2004 Houston Astros Starting Lineup:
1. CF Craig Biggio
2. 3B Morgan Ensberg
3. 1B Jeff Bagwell
4. 2B Jeff Kent
5. LF Lance Berkman
6. RF Richard Hidalgo
7. C Brad Ausmus
8. SS Adam Everett
9. P (whoever is pitching that day)

2004 Houston Astros Bench:
C Raul Chavez
2B Eric Bruntlett
SS Jose Vizcaino
CF Jason Lane
RF Orlando Palmeiro

2004 Houston Astros Starting Rotation:
1. SP Roy Oswalt
2. SP Andy Pettitte
3. SP Roger Clemens
4. SP Wade Miller
5. SP Tim Redding

Astros Bullpen
Spot Starter: Carlos Hernandez
Middle Reliever: Dan Miceli, Ricky Stone, Jeriome Robertson
Set-Up Reliever: Brad Lidge, Brandon Duckworth
Closer: Octavio Dotel

[Klew1986]

Two Houston Soon To Be Retirees

Houston, TX- Today two Houston Astros have announced that they will retire at the end of the 2004 season. Those two Astros are OF Craig Biggio and SP Roger Clemens. The Astros will miss these two All-Stars greatly and wish them the best of luck after they retire.

"I'm very sad about this, but I just feel that its time for me to move onto the better things. I've been an Astro my whole life and have been so lucky to play for such a great organization. I will deeply miss this ball club and hope to be back someday in the Houston front office" said Craig Biggio.

"I believe it's time for me to end my baseball career for the last time. Even though I left the Yankees and came to Houston. I only did this to help my best friend Andy Pettitte to get a feel of the Houston atmosphere and to get him worked in. I just want to wish the Houston organization good luck in the future and I will miss you greatly. Thank you for letting me be part of your organization. I will do my best this year" said Roger Clemens.

[spiffamous]

Good luck against Prior, Wood, and Maddux. Go Cubs!!! (sorry, I just couldn't resist throwing that in there )

[Klew1986]

@ (3-game series in San Francisco)


Giants Overpower Astros In Extra-Innings
With the Giants and Astros tied at 1-1 going into the 11th inning, the Giants knew that they had to produce some type of offensive support. Sure enough, they scored 3 runs in the 11th off of Brad Lidge. Lidge pitched 1 1/3 innings and gave up 3 runs on 29 pitches. Then it was the Astros turn to bat. The Astros pulled within 1 run of the Giants, but Jeff Bagwell grounded out to 3rd to end the game. Roy Oswalt of the Houston Astros was doing an amazing job until he was pulled in the 9th due to fatigue. He had a no-hitter going until Jefferey Hammonds broke it up on a single to Centerfield. Final Score: SF 4, HOU 3 (11 innings)

WP: Felix Rodriquez (1-0)
LP: Brad Lidge (0-1)
Player of the Game: SP Roy Oswalt (HOU) 9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 9K's, 123 Pitches, 1.00 ERA


Astros Pitching Supports Good Outing
The Astros had the game wrapped up in the 3rd inning when they scored 3 runs. There were 3 doubles in the 3rd inning, one by Andy Pettie, which helped to get runners into scoring position. Then the Astros scored 2 runs in the 5th inning off of a Morgan Ensberg 2 Run HR. After that there was no looking back and Andy Pettite picked up his first win as an Astro. Final Score: HOU 6, SF 3

WP: Andy Pettitte (1-0)
LP: Jerome Williams (0-1)
SV: Octavio Dotel (1)
Player of the Game: 3B Morgan Ensberg (HOU) 2-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI's


Jeff Kent Beats SF By Himself
There isn't much to say for this game, except for Jeff Kent had an amazing day. He helped give Roger "Rocket" Clemens his first win as an Astro on a great offensive day for the Astros. Clemens threw a complete game GEM, giving up only 3 hits. This is a sign for many good things to come for the Astros this year. Final Score: HOU 11, SF 1

WP: Roger Clemens (1-0) (Complete Game)
LP: Kirk Rueter(0-1)
Player of the Game: Jeff Kent (HOU) 3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI's

Team Leaders:
HR's: Jeff Kent (2)
RBI's: Jeff Kent (5)
SB: None
WINS: Andy Pettitte/Roger Clemens (1)
ERA: Roy Oswalt/Roger Clemens (1.00)
K's: Roy Oswalt (9)

NL Central Standings:
1. Houston 2-1
2. St. Louis 2-1
3. Chicago 1-1 (.5 GB)
4. Cincinnati 1-1 (.5 GB)
5. Pittsburgh 1-1 (.5 GB)
6. Milwaukee 1-2 (1 GB)

Houston Travels to Milwaukee for a 3 Game Series

[Klew1986]

Houston places Hernandez and Robertson on the Trading Block

Houston-The Houston Astros have placed SP's Carlos Hernandez and Jeriome Robertson on the trading block effective immediately. The Astros organization feels that these two pitchers will be able to be a #2 or #3 starter on a different teams roster. With [Andy] Pettitte, [Roger] Clemens, [Roy] Oswalt, and [Wade] Miller on the team, they won't be able to get much production out of their presence. We are looking for Middle Reliever's and/or a catcher in return, but we don't expect it to be much, since these two are still learning the ropes of the Major Leagues. We want to wish them the best of luck in the 2004 season and hope to see them around.

[Klew1986]

@ (3-game series in Milwaukee)


Astros Squeak By Brewers
With the Giants and Astros tied at 0 going into the 7th inning, the Astros knew they needed to do something about it. So, Jeff Kent hits a double down the left field line. Then they walked Lance Berkman, to prevent him from getting a chance to hit a homerun. Brad Ausmus hits a single and drives in Kent and then Adam Everett drives in Berkman to take a 2-0 lead. The rest was up to Wade Miller to keep the shutout intact. In the process of the victory, Miler threw a career-high 10 Strikeouts. Final Score: HOU 2, MIL 0

WP: Wade Miller (1-0)
LP: DAVe Burba (0-1)
Player of the Game: SP Wade Miller (HOU) 9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 10 K's, 99 Pitches, 0.00 ERA


Astros Hold on For Victory
This game was much closer than the previous game. The game went back and forth and was a total mirror image, until the 7th inning came rolling around for the Astros offense. With the score tied at 2, Jeff Kent hit a single to leftfield which scored Adama Everett. Then Morgan Ensberg hit in Jeff Kent to tack on another run. The Astros will go for the series sweep tomorrow. Final Score: HOU 4, MIL 2

WP: Time Redding (1-0)
LP: Chris Capuano(0-1)
SV: Octavio Dotel (2)
Player of the Game: SS Adam Everett (HOU) 2-5, 1 RBI, 2 runs


Houston outlasts Brewers
There isn't much to say for this game, except for Roy Oswalt had another amazing day. He helped give the Astros the series sweep and keep his outstanding play intact. He had help from Berkman, Kent, and Ensberg as they each hit a HR to help beat the Brewers.Final Score: HOU 8, MIL 1

WP: Roy Oswalt (1-0) (Complete Game)
LP: Ben Sheets(0-1)
Player of the Game: Roy Oswalt (HOU) 9 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 11 K's, 125 Pitches, 1.46 ERA

Team Leaders:
HR's: Jeff Kent (3)
RBI's: Jeff Kent (8)
SB: None
WINS: 5 tied (1)
ERA: Wade Miller (0.00)
K's: Roy Oswalt (27)

NL Central Standings:
1. Houston 5-1
2. St. Louis 5-2 (.5 GB)
3. Chicago 4-2 (1 GB)
4. Cincinnati 4-2 (1 GB)
5. Pittsburgh 1-5 (4 GB)
6. Milwaukee 1-6 (4.5 GB)

Houston Travels to St. Louis for a HUGE 3 Game Series

[HoMa_ThE_bRaVe]

looks really nice.

your gonna have a long post if you post every series but i like the idea. Keep up the good work

[Klew1986]

how else should i do it? If you can show me an example that would be great.

[Klew1986]

@ (3-game series in St. Louis)


Astros Dominate Cardinals
This was a huge beginning to the start of a very important 3 game series. It went the Astros way right from the start. Andy Pettite threw a gem, going 9 innings and only giving up 6 hits and a shutout. It all started with a Jeff Kent single. From there on out, the Astros never looked back. Final Score: HOU 9, STL 0

WP: Andy Pettitte (2-0)
LP: Jeff Suppan(1-1)
Player of the Game: SP Andy Pettitte (HOU) 9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 7 K's, 104 Pitches, 1.74 ERA


Astros Give Cardinals Another Spanking
This time it was all in the offensive game. The Astros produced three homeruns for the 2nd time this year in a single game. Thanks to the "Big Three" (Kent, Bagwell, and Berkman), Roger Clemens didn't have to worry about his pitching performance. Jeff Kent had another spectacular game going 3-4, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs. Final Score: HOU 11, STL 4

WP: Roger Clemens (2-0)
LP: Jason Marquis (0-1)
Player of the Game: 2B Jeff Kent (HOU) 3-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 3 runs


St. Louis Outpitches Houston
This is one of the most awkward games you will ever read in St. Louis history. This was a close game all the way to the finish, but the way it finished was very odd. The St. Louis pitchers were struggling early, so they decided to go to their bullpen, but that didn't seem to help. Went it came to the top of the 12th inning, they had no more pitchers to put it in, so they put 2B Bo Hart at pitcher. Out of no where he manages to only give up one run and gets his teammates to give him two runs and the WIN. That's right Bo Hart, a 2B, gets the win in extra innings. Final Score: STL 7, HOU 6 (12 innings)

WP: Bo Hart (1-0) (1st career win)
LP: Octavio Dotel (0-1)
Player of the Game: Albert Pujols (STL) 3-4, 1 HR, 2RBIs, 1 run

Team Leaders:
HR's: Jeff Kent/Lance Berkman (4)
RBI's: Jeff Kent (13)
SB: Jeff Bagwell (1)
WINS: Andy Pettite/Roger Clemens (2)
ERA: Wade Miller/Roger Clemens (1.20)
K's: Roy Oswalt (27)

NL Central Standings:
1. Houston 7-2
2. Cincinnati 5-3 (1.5 GB)
3. St. Louis 6-4 (1.5 GB)
4. Chicago 4-4 (2.5 GB)
5. Pittsburgh 3-5 (3.5 GB)
6. Milwaukee 1-9 (6.5 GB)

Houston has a 3 game series against Milwaukee at home.

[YankeeFanatic04]

Damn both ex Yankees win.

[Klew1986]

@ (4-game series in Houston)


Astros Overcome Brewers
This game was close throughout, until the 5th inning came rolling around for the Astros. Jeff Bagwell hit a 3-run HR to put the nail in the coffin. After that HR, the Astros just needed to count on the pitching staff to finish up the game. This was a much closer game than I thought it would be. Final Score: HOU 9, MIL 4

WP: Tim Redding (2-0)
LP: Chris Capuano (0-3)
Player of the Game: 1B Jeff Bagwell (HOU) 2-3, 4 RBIs, 3 runs, 1 HR


Astros Out Hit Brewers
The Brewers just simply didn't have enough strength to match the 3 homeruns hit by the Astros. The Astros knew that if they could hit longballs, then the Brewers wouldn't be able to catch them. The Brewers don't have any power hitters to match the Astros power hitters, so this was a lopsidded game, even though the score doesn't show. The 3 homeruns were hit by, Berkman, Kent and Lane. Final Score: HOU 5, MIL 2

WP: Roy Oswalt (2-0)
LP: Ben Sheets (1-2)
SV: Octavio Dotel (3)
Player of the Game: LF Lacne Berkman (HOU) 3-3, 2 RBIs, 1 run, 1 HR


Pettite Beats Brewers by Himself
The Brewers just couldn't get anything started today, even though they did get 10 hits and 1 run. They just couldn't get any offensive bursts going today. They would get runners in scoring position, but then Andy would strike out them out to end the innings. This was probably Andy's best outing of the year so far.Final Score: HOU 5, MIL 1

WP: Andy Pettitte (3-0)
LP: Doug Davis (0-3)
Player of the Game: Andy Pettitte (HOU) 8 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 9 K's, 103 Pitches, 1.62 ERA


"Rocket" Dominates Brewers
Another Astro pitcher dominates the Brewers. This time its future hall-of-fame pither, Roger "Rocket" Clemens. He didn't allow a single run to cross the plate as he struck out 8 batters. "Roger looked like he was in his prime today," said Astros General Manager Kevin Lewis (me). Also, Lance Berkman hit his 6th homerun of the year off of Matt Kinney. Final Score: HOU 4, MIL 0

WP: Roger Clemens (3-0)
LP: Matt Kinney (0-1)
Player of the Game: Roger Clemens (HOU) 8 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 8 K's, 103 Pitches, 0.78 ERA


Team Leaders:
HR's: Jeff Kent (7)
RBI's: Jeff Kent (21)
SB: Jeff Bagwell (2)
WINS: Andy Pettitte/Roger Clemens (3)
ERA: Roger Clemens (0.78)
K's: Roy Oswalt (33)

NL Central Standings:
1. Houston 11-2
2. Chicago 7-6 (4 GB)
3. Cincinnati 7-6 (4 GB)
4. St. Louis 7-6 (4 GB)
5. Pittsburgh 4-8 (6.5 GB)
6. Milwaukee 1-13 (10.5 GB)

Houston To Host St. Louis in a 3 game series

I'm going to post league news on my next update.

[Klew1986]

League Leaders and Standings as of 4/20/2004

NL Leaders

Batting Avg.
1. T. Hollandsworth (CHC) .526
2. L. Berkman (HOU) .457
3. J. Kent (HOU) .429
Homeruns
1. J. Kent (HOU) 7
2. L. Berkman (HOU) 6
3. A. Pujols (STL) 6
Runs Batted In
1. J. Kent (HOU 21
2. A. Pujols (STL) 28
3. L. Berkman (HOU) 16
Runs Scored
1. J. Kent (HOU) 16
2. A. Jones (ATL) 14
3. J. Bagwell (HOU) 14
Stolen Bases
1. J. Reyes (NYM) 11
2. P. Wilson (COL) 7
3. D. Jimenez (CIN) 7
Hitting Streak
1. P. Wilson (COL) 12
2. J. Kent (HOU) 11
3. T. Hollandsworth (CHC) 11
ERA
1. R. Clemens (HOU) 0.78
2. R. Oswalt (HOU) 1.20
3. W. Miller (HOU) 1.20
Wins
1. A. Pettitte (HOU) 3
2. G. Roberts (NYM) 3
3. R. Clemens (HOU) 3
Saves
1. A. Benitez (FLA) 6
2. J. Borowski (CHC) 5
3. E. Gagne (LA) 4
Strikeouts
1. R. Oswalt (HOU 33
2. A. Pettitte (HOU) 27
3. J. Schmidt (SF) 21


AL Leaders

Batting Avg.
1. M. Tejada (BAL) .468
2. N. Garciaparra (BOS) .426
3. C. Beltran (KC) .420
Homeruns
1. C. Beltran (KC) 8
2. J. Crede (CHW) 6
3. E. Chavez (OAK) 6
Runs Batted In
1. C. Beltran (KC) 15
2. J. Crede (CHW) 14
3. I. Rodriguez (DET) 14
Runs Scored
1. A. Soriano (TEX) 17
2. C. Beltran (KC) 16
3. B. Boone (SEA) 15
Stolen Bases
1. C. Beltran (KC) 7
2. M. Young (TEX) 6
3. A. Soriano (TEX) 5
Hitting Streak
1. G. Sheffield (NYY) 11
2. P. Konerko (CHW) 10
3. N. Garciaparra (BOS) 10
ERA
1. C. Schilling (BOS) 1.44
2. K. Rogers (TEX) 1.52
3. F. Garcia (SEA) 1.71
Wins
1. M. Mussina (NYY) 3
2. K. Appier (KC) 2
3. J. Vazquez (NYY) 2
Saves
1. M. McDougal (KC) 7
2. J. Walker (DET) 4
3. T. Percival (ANA) 3
Strikeouts
1. K. Brown (NYY) 30
2. P. Martinez (BOS) 28
3. M. Mussina (NYY) 25


National League Standings

NL East
1. Florida 8-4
2. Atlanta 7-5 (1 GB)
3. Philadelphia 7-5 (1 GB)
4. New York (N) 6-7 (2.5 GB)
5. Montreal 4-9 (4.5 GB)
NL Central
1. Houston 11-2
2. Chicago (N) 7-6 (4 GB)
3. Cincinnati 7-6 (4 GB)
4. St. Louis 7-6 (4 GB)
5. Pittsburgh 4-8 (6.5 GB)
6. Milwaukee 1-13 (10.5 GB)
NL West
1. San Francisco 8-5
2. Arizona 7-5 (.5 GB)
3. Colorado 7-5 (.5 GB)
4. Los Angeles 5-7 (2.5 GB)
5. San Diego 5-8 (3 GB)

American League Standings

AL East
1. New York (A) 10-4
2. Baltimore 8-5 (1.5 GB)
3. Boston 7-7 (3 GB)
4. Toronto 6-6 (3 GB)
5. Tampa Bay 2-10 (7 GB)
AL Central
1. Kansas City 11-1
2. Detroit 7-6 (4.5 GB)
3. Minnesota 6-6 (5 GB)
4. Chicago (A) 4-8 (7 GB)
5. Cleveland 3-11 (9 GB)
AL West
1. Texas 10-3
2. Seattle 7-6 (3 GB)
3. Oakland 5-8 (5 GB)
4. Anaheim 7-9 (6 GB)

Up Next...League News!!!

[Klew1986]

League News as of 4/20/2004

New York (N)'s Zelie Wins Player of the Week Award (4/12/2004)
The Player of the Week award in the American goes to New York (A)'s Hideki Matsui this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. In 23 at bats he hit .522 with 2 HR and 8 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. The National's best player of the week was New York (N)'s Todd Zeile, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. In 23 at bats he hit .478 with 2 HR and 5 RBI.

Larry Walker Ropes 2,000th Career Hit (4/12/2004)
COLORADO - Colorado's rightfielder Larry Walker already had some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit. Along with his 2000 hits, Larry collected 352 homeruns and 1214 RBI in 15 seasons. 'I'm out of words. I'll probably realize it tomorrow, but for now I'm done.' His hit in the 5th inning was a single off Mike Koplove.

Toronto's Vernon Wells Gets the Cycle (4/16/2004)
TORONTO - Vernon Wells hits 'em where they ain't. Baltimore certainly agrees as Toronto's centerfielder unloaded five hits and hitting for the cycle. A single in the 2nd off Kurt Ainsworth accounted for his 1st hit. His 2nd hit, a two-run homerun off Kurt Ainsworth in the 3rd inning, landed an estimated 396 feet from home plate. A single in the 5th off Jorge Julio accounted for his 3rd hit. A pitch from John Parrish in the 7th inning left his bat for a double. A pitch from Mike Dejean in the 8th inning left his bat for a RBI triple. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Vernon scored 4 runs, and he collected 3 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 15 hits in 43 at bats, resulting in a .349 batting average. 1 player in league history has so far hit for the cycle, Vernon Wells.

Ken Griffey Jr. Will Miss 8 Weeks (4/18/2004)
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's centerfielder Ken Griffey Jr. will miss about 8 weeks after he hurt himself badly in the 2nd inning of the game between Cincinnati and Chicago (N). He dove for a drive off the bat of Mark Grudzielanek, and immediately signaled that he's not OK after hitting the ground. Cincinnati wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Griffey jr. had suffered a Broken Foot. Ken is hitting .233 this year, with 10 hits in 43 at bats. He has driven in 7 runs, slugging .442.

Kansas City's Beltran Wins Player of the Week Award (4/19/2004)
The American's best player of the week was Kansas City's Carlos Beltran, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .483 with 10 RBI and slugged 1.138 in 29 at bats. Carlos managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. Beltran has hit 8 bombs this year while batting .420. He adds 3 doubles, along with 16 runs scored. He's 2nd in the American in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI! The National's best player of the week was Houston's Lance Berkman, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .719 and hit .640, while driving in 10 runs. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. Lance has gone 21 for 46 (.457) this season, hitting 6 bombs and driving in 16 runs. He has scored 11 runs on his own. He's 1st in the National in batting, 2nd in homeruns and 3rd in RBI!

[Klew1986]

@ (3-game series in Houston)


Houston We Have a Problem
This was a self-destruct game for the Astros. It all happened in the 5th inning. Wade Miller started off great against the Cardinals, but then came "the inning". St. Louis scored 10 runs on 8 hits. 8 of those 10 runs came off of Miller. This will be an inning the Astros will never forget. You may ask why I didn't take Miller out sooner. Well lets all go back to the ALCS last year when Grady Little left Pedro in and cost them the game. Just like Grady, I wanted to let my guy finish the inning, but in this case he got pulled early. One positive thing is that the "Big Three" (Bagwell, Kent and Berkman) combined for 4 homeruns. Final Score: STL 12, STL 11

WP: Ray King(1-0)
LP: Brad Lidge (0-1)
SV: Jason Isringhausen (2)
Player of the Game: 2B Jeff Kent (HOU), 4-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs


Astros Bounce Back
The Astros were actually able to arrive at the ballpark with confidence. They learned from their mistakes and beat the Cardinals behind the arm of Tim Redding. The Astros scored 5 runs in the 1st inning and never looked back. Final Score: HOU 6, STL 4

WP: Tim Redding (3-0)
LP: Woody Williams (1-2)
SV: Octavio Dotel (4)
Player of the Game: RF Richard Hidalgo (HOU) 2-4, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 run


Houston Just Barely Escapes
There wasn't much to this game to report on. The only good thing is that Jeff Kent extended his hitting streak to a career high 14 games and Lance Berkman extended his to a career high 11 games.Final Score: HOU 3, STL 2

WP: Brad Lidge (1-2)
LP: Mike Lincoln (0-1)
Player of the Game: Roy Oswalt (HOU) 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 K, 91 pitches, 1.46 ERA

Team Leaders:
HR's: Jeff Kent (9)
RBI's: Jeff Kent (25)
SB: Jeff Bagwell (2)
WINS: Andy Pettite/Roger Clemens/Tim Redding (3)
ERA: Roger Clemens (0.78)
K's: Roy Oswalt (38)

NL Central Standings:
1. Houston 13-3
2. Cincinnati 10-6 (3 GB)
3. Chicago 9-7 (4 GB)
4. St. Louis 8-8 (5 GB)
5. Pittsburgh 5-10 (7.5 GB)
6. Milwaukee 4-13 (9.5 GB)

Houston travels to Colorado for a 3 game series.

[And1pg2]

U said Lidge got the win but he plays for STL and STL won 7-6 u said.

[Klew1986]

fixed it

[Klew1986]

There will be a big update tonight. I wasn't playing because I've been busy with school lately. I'm planning on doing a lot this weekend.

[Xenimus0]

Great dynasty so far, keep up the good work!

[And1pg2]

Cant wait for update. I have a game at 8 so i wont be able to read until around 11 so g/l.

[PrestonKaye]

nice writeups.