2004 Astros: World Series or Bust

[Astros02]

(I'll be doing this dynasty with the CBL roster set with injuries reset to start the season. I won't have the advantage of Carlos Beltran at all. Also, I'm going to set Biggio's offensive ratings a little higher as even though he hadn't produced the past 2 seasons, he's doing decent this year. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to put his ratings?)

Gerry Hunsicker Retires, Replacement Named

Astro's GM Gerry Hunsicker finally realised stress was getting to him, and abruptly retired this morning with the season a week away. The Astros were quick to name a replacement, a young man by the name of Preston Puryear, an 18 year-old sports fanatic. Both these announcements rocked the baseball world. How could a mere kid run a baseball team? Drayton McClane has given him full power over personnel. These coming months should be interesting, that's for sure.


Opening day roster is up next.

EDIT: Added backstory.

[Astros02]

Rotation:
1. #44 RHP Roy Oswalt
With a career ERA under 3, I will be depending on this youngster for many years to come. If he stays healthy I am depending on at least 18 wins from him this year, and he is arguably a Cy Young contender.
2. #21 LHP Andy Pettitte
The former Yankees star should fit in well with this staff. He is the only lefty in the starting rotation. Maybe more importantly, he brought his friend along with him to pitch for the Stros.
3. #22 RHP Roger Clemens
A man that needs no introduction, but I'm still writing one! He would get into the Hall of fame with ease if he retired right now. A career ERA of 3.19 to go along with a 310-160 record. His signing made season ticket sales go through the roof, and a record number of fans are expected. I would be delighted if he could give me 15 wins.
4. #52 RHP Wade Miller
A middle of the road pitcher, but better than most #4's in the majors. He should win at least 12, with 16 being optimistic.
5. #51 RHP Tim Redding
Has been mediocre throughout his 3 year career, but Houston is still high on him, and he should fit in nicely in the #5 hole. He's only 26 and should improve his numbers this year.

Bullpen

RHP Ricky Stone
RHP Dan Miceli
LHP Mike Gallo
RHP Brad Duckworth
RHP Brad Lidge

Middle relievers other than Lidge are average at best, I'll probably be making a move during the season to shore up the bullpen. Only one Lefty here as well.

RHP Octavio Dotel
Previously the best setup man in baseball, but with the trade of Billy Wagner he was the no brainer to move into the closer's role. Time will tell if he can handle the pressure, if not Lidge is waiting to fill the hole.

Starting Lineup
Vs. RHP/Vs. LHP
1/1 CF Craig Biggio
A possible future Hall of Fame member, he's average at best on defense as well as offense, and is in the #1 slot mostly due to respect. Still can get on base at a good clip, but has lost some speed over the years. Has decent pop in his bat, and should hit 20 HR's this year.
2/2 SS Adam Everett
A master of small-ball. He's a master on defense, maybe a future Gold Glover. He should help Biggio set the table for the big hitters.
3/7 LF Lance Berkman
This man is amazing. He hits for average, he hits for power, and has a good eye. He should hit 35 HR's while maintaining an average upward of .290. Not much more needs to be said about this mammoth.
4/3 1B Jeff Bagwell
A top 5 1B of all time and another future Hall of Fame member. If he can overcome his shoulder problem and hit 30 homers he may be worth the huge contract.
5/5 2B Jeff Kent
A former MVP and elite 2nd bagger, he will be one of the best hitters in the lineup. Many teams would kill to have this kind of talent in the 5 slot.
6/7 RF Richard Hidalgo
His career has had huge ups and downs, and I have to hope this year's an up. I'm hoping for a .280 average with 25 homers. On defense he has a cannon of an arm, and runners would be fools to try to turn doubles hit to right field into triples.
7/4 3B Morgan Ensberg
A youngster who should be a good one. He dominates lefties, but still needs to learn how to read righties.
8/8 C Brad Ausmus
The true weakness in the lineup, he's only there because of his gold-glove caliber defense and the fact that there are no better catchers in the FA market.


Bench
OF Jason Lane
The first guy off the bench in pinch hitting situations, and he will be the guy who gives the starting OF's rest. He may be better than Biggio right now, but Biggio's years with the franchise has left him as a starter.
OF Orlando Palmeiro
A decent pinch hitter, will be integral if a starting OF gets injured.
IF Jose Vizcaino
Good guy to give the infielders a rest. He's a decent pinch hitter, and has had some nice clutch hits over his career.
IF/OF Eric Bruntlett
Nothing too special, he may not be on the roster for more than a month. Will only be used in an emergency.
1B/3B
Same as Bruntlett, but less versatile.
C Raul Chavez
Once again, no good catchers in the FA market. Will give Ausmus a rest a few times a month.


Strengths:
Rotation: I'd put it up against anyone.
Middle of the lineup: Same as above.

Weaknesses:
Bullpen: Other than Lidge and Dotel, there's no one that really pops out.
Catcher: I'll be shopping around for one during the season.
Bench: I'll be in trouble if a starter gets injured for a long period of time.

[Astros02]

With the season about to get underway, Roger Clemens made a surprising announcement that he won't retire after this year. "Unless my arm falls off, I'll be playing for at least two more years. I love baseball and my family urged me to stick with it." Clemens also joked, "Maybe one of my sons will be in the Majors while I'm still around." The Astros are already negotiating an extension.

[Astros02]

In a pre-season filled with shocking stories, another shocker happend. New Astros GM Preston Puryear fired manager Jimy Williams and replaced him with former manager Larry Dierker.

Puryear held a press-conference introducing Dierker. "Hunsicker forced a manager that won division titles 4 out of 5 years he was here, and I fixed that mistake."

Dierker added, "I'm a Houston guy, I was entertaining other offers, but prayed this job would open up, and it did."

Williams didn't have anything nice to say about the abrupt firing. "That kid's a maniac, how can he not see my brilliance that lead to two second place finishes in the division?"

Asked about the spelling of his first name, Williams simply stated, "shove it", to the reporter and walked away.

[Astros02]

Giants vs. Astros

Game 1: Jason Schmidt (NR) vs. Roy Oswalt (NR)

Jason Schmidt dominated the Astros through 7 innings, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run, but Scott Eyre allowed 3 runs in the 8th, and the Astros escaped the game with a win, 4-3. Roy Oswalt went 7.1 innings allowing 3 runs, 2 of them earned.

Astros 4, Giants 3
W: Brandon Duckworth (1-0)
L: Scott Eyre (0-1)
S: Octavio Dotel (1)
PoG: Jason Schmidt


Game 2: Jerome Williams (NR) vs. Andy Pettitte (NR)

In Andy Pettitte's debut as an Astro he did not dissapoint. He pitched 7.2 innings, scattering 7 hits and allowing 2 runs in a win over the Giants. The Astros scored 2 runs in the 8th to take the lead for good. Brad Ausmus shocked the hometown fans, going 4-4 with a double and 1 RBI.

Astros 5, Giants 3
W: Andy Pettitte (1-0)
L: Jerome Williams (0-1)
S: Octavio Dotel (2)
PoG: Brad Ausmus

Game 3: Roger Clemens (NR) vs. Kirk Reuter (NR)

Roger Clemens followed Andy Pettitte's debut well, going 7 and allowing 3 runs on his way to a no-decision. Giants pitcher Kirk Reuter left the game in the 2nd inning with pain in his shoulder, which an MRI revealed was a pulled rotator cuff muscle and will be out 8 weeks. The Astros found themselves down once again in the bottom of the 8th, 3-2, and rallied for 2 runs to regain the lead. Morgan Ensberg went 2-4 with 1 RBI.

Astros 4, Giants 3
W: Brad Lidge (1-0)
L: Chad Zerbe (0-1)
S: Octavio Dotel (3)
PoG: Morgan Ensberg

_______________________________________

My best and worst hitters seemed to switch places. Ausmus is hitting a scorching .571 while Lance Berkman is 0-10 with an OBP of .091. My team ERA is under 3 so far.

[Astros02]

Feel free to critique my dynasty and give me suggestions guys.

[Astros02]

Astros vs. Brewers

Game 1: Wade Miller (NR) vs. Matt Kinney (NR)

Wade Miller threw 7 innings of one-run ball on the way to his first win of the season. Lance Berkman broke his 0-10 slump in a big way, going 3-4 with 1HR, 2
RBI's, and 1 BB.

Astros 6, Brewers 1
W: Wade Miller
L: Matt Kinney
PoG: Lance Berkman

Game 2: Tim Redding (NR) vs. Ben Sheets (0-1)

Ben Sheets dominated, throwing 7 shutout innings allowing only 2 hits, but the Astros once again used the 8th inning as a rallying point, scoring 6. Tim Redding threw 6.1 innings, allowing 3 runs. Richard Hidalgo went 2-4 with a homer and 3 rbi's.

Astros 6, Brewers 3
W: Mike Gallo (1-0)
L: Danny Kolb (0-2)
S: Brad Lidge (1)
PoG: Richard Hidalgo

Game 3: Roy Oswalt (0-0) vs. Dave Burba (0-0)

The Astros started the 9th inning 2 runs down, but scored 3 to take the lead and eventually win the game. Roy Oswalt had another good performance, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing only 2 runs. Mike Gallo got his 2nd win in as many nights, only needing to pitch a third of an inning for this one. Brady Clark was the star of the game, going 2-4 with 1 HR, 1R, and 5 RBI, but it was to no avail as the Astros keep finding ways to win.

Astros 7, Brewers 6
W: Mike Gallo (2-0)
L: Brian Bowles (0-1)
S: Octavio Dotel (4)

[Astros02]

GM Preston Puryear knew what his big weakness was, and has made it a strength. After the series against the Brewers ended a trade was announced bringing in 2 very good relievers in to Houston.

Trade with Anaheim :
Anaheim gets :
P Carlos Hernandez
P Ricky Stone
P Dan Miceli
P Fernando Nieve
CF Mike Rodriguez
$2,800,000 cash.

Houston gets :
P Francisco Rodriguez
P Brendan Donnelly

[And1pg2]

You just lost all my interest.

[Astros02]

Astros vs. Cardinals

Game 1: Andy Pettitte (1-0 2.35) vs. Jeff Suppan (1-0 2.57)

The Astros got off to a hot start, scoring 4 in the top of the first, and never slowed down. Every starting position player had a hit, Jeff Kent being the most impressive going 3-5 with 2 HR, 2 R, and 5 RBI. Morgan Ensberg and Brad Ausmus hit back-to-back shots in the 7th, not bad for the 7 and 8 slots. Andy Pettitte allowed 3 runs in 7.2 innings for his second win of the season.

Astros 10, Cardinals 4
W: Andy Pettitte (2-0)
L: Jeff Suppan (1-1)
PoG: Jeff Kent

Game 2: Roger Clemens (0-0 3.86) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-0 6.35)

Following up a 6 run win is hard, but the Astros followed it with a 7 run win. The Astros once again knocked the cover off the ball, even with the rainy weather. The offensive onslaught was lead by an unlikely man, Adam Everett, who went 3-6 with 2 2b, 3 RBI, and 2 R. Roger Clemens pitched 8 innings allowing 2 runs.

Astros 9, Cardinals 2
W: Roger Clemens (1-0)
L: Adam Wainwright (0-1)
PoG: Adam Everett

Game 3: Wade Miller (1-0 1.29) vs. Jason Simontacchi (NR)

In another rainy game, the Astros once again beat the red birds. Wade Miller pitched another very good game, allowing 2 runs in 6.1 innings. Jeff Kent had another excellent game, driving in 3.

Astros 4, Cardinals 3
W: Wade Miller (2-0)
L: Jason Simontocchi (0-1)
S: Octavio Dotel (5)
PoG: Wade Miller

[Astros02]

Originally Posted by And1pg2

You just lost all my interest.

I was thinking of changing the trade, because that seemed like too much of a steal. The trade AI can be weird at times. I'm going to cut a good prospect of mine and sign them to the A's.

By the way, what trade setting gets the best results?

[Astros02]

Brewers vs. Astros

Game 1: Ben Sheets (0-1, 5.19) vs. Tim Redding (0-0, 4.26)

The Astros continued their winning streak to open the season, dominating the Brewers pitching. Tim Redding allowed only 1 run in 7 innings for his first win. The Astros sealed the victory in the 7th scoring 8 runs.

Astros 13, Brewers 2
W: Tim Redding (1-0)
L: Ben Sheets (0-2)
PoG: Jeff Kent 2-5, BB, HR, 2 R, 5 RBI



Game 2: Dave Burba (0-0, 5.23) vs. Roy Oswalt (0-0, 2.63)

Yesterday's best player, Jeff Kent, was today's scapegoat for the Astros loss. He had 3 errors at second base leading to 2 unearned runs as the Brewers ended the Astros winning streak at 10.

Brewers 5, Astros 2
W: Dave Burba (1-0)
L: Roy Oswalt (0-1)
S: Danny Kolb (2)
PoG: Scott Podsednik 3-5, 2 3B, 2 R, RBI

Game 3: Doug Davis (0-2, 8.38) vs. Andy Pettitte (2-0, 2.93)

In a wild game that featured an ejection, grand slam, and another 8th inning rally, the Astros pulled another victory out of their bag of tricks. Down by 1 in the 8th, Lance Berkman put one into the seats for a 2 run homer to put the Astros in the lead.

Astros 9, Brewers 8
W: Brad Lidge (2-0)
L: Jose Santiago (0-2)
S: Octavio Dotel (6)
PoG: Wes Helms 2-5, 2 HR, GS, 2 R, 6 RBI

Game 4: Chris Capuano (0-1, 9.72) vs. Roger Clemens (1-0, 3.00)

Craig Biggio was carried off the field in the 11th inning after hitting a walkoff homerun. Larry Dierker left Roger Clemens in too long in the 9th, leading to the Brewers scoring 3 to tie the game. Morgan Ensberg and Lance Berkman also tacked on homers during the game.

Astros 7, Brewers 6
W: Fransisco Rodriguez (1-0)
L: Danny Kolb (0-3)
PoG: Morgan Ensberg 2-4, HR, 3 RBI, R

[Astros02]

Cardinals vs. Astros

Game 1: Adam Wainwright (0-1, 8.22) vs. Wade Miller (2-0, 2.03)

The Astros lost in a big way, alllowing 16 runs. The pitching on the Astros part was horrendous, with the Astro's only highlight being a Richard Hidalgo home run after the game was out of reach. The Cardinal's offense was lead by 3rd baseman Scott Rolen.

Cardinals 16, Astros 4
W: Jimmy Journell (1-2)
L: Wade Miller (2-1)
PoG: Scott Rolen 2-3, BB, HR, 2B, 4 R, 4 RBI

Game 2: Jason Simontacchi (0-1, 1.29) vs. Roy Oswalt (0-1, 2.61)

2 outs, bottom of the ninth, tie game. This is the kind of thing that's remembered. Adam Everett followed up Craig Biggio's walkoff homer last week with one of his own. With the count 0-2 he knocked one into the first row of the Crawford boxes. Lance Berkman added 2 home runs to help the Astros to the win.

Astros 7, Cardinals 6
W: Brendan Donnely (1-0)
L: Ray King (0-1)
PoG: Lance Berkman 2-3, BB, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3R

Game 3: Matt Morris (2-1, 7.20) vs. Andy Pettitte (2-0, 4.87)

Lead by a slew of doubles, the Astros beat the Cardinals to take 2 of 3. 6 of the Astros 11 hits were for 2 bases. Andy Pettitte pitched a solid 7.1 innings for his third win of the season

Astros 7, Cardinals 3
W: Andy Pettitte (3-0)
L: Matt Morris (2-2)

[Astros02]

Astros vs. Rockies

Game 1: Roger Clemens (1-0, 4.18) vs. Chin-Hui Tsao (1-0, 2.25)

The Astros took advantage of the Colorado air to destroy the Rockies. Jeff Bagwell had an amazing game, hitting 2 homers including a grand slam. Jeff Kent and Lance Berkman also touched them all while Roger Clemens breezed to his second win.

Astros 15, Rockies 3
W: Roger Clemens (2-0)
L: Chin-Hui Tsao (1-1)
PoG: Jeff Bagwell 2-2, 2HR, GS, 3 BB, 6 RBI, 5 R

Game 2: Tim Redding (1-0, 2.70) vs. Denny Neagle (1-1, 1.38)

Tim Redding threw the first complete game of the year for Houston, allowing 3 runs, on the way to a win over the Rockies. Jeff Bagwell and Jeff Kent stayed hot, each hitting home runs.

Astros 6, Rockies 3
W: Tim Redding (2-0)
L: Denny Neagle (1-2)
PoG: Jeff Bagwell 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, R, BB


Game 3: Wade Miller (2-1, 4.15) vs. Scott Dohman (0-1, 4.24)

Jeff Bagwell hit his 4th homer in 3 games, but the real star of the game was Jason Lane. Taking Richard Hidalgo's spot in the outfield, all he did was hit 2 homers including a grand slam to lead the Astros to a win. Also hitting balls to other time zones were Morgan Ensberg and Lance Berkman.

Astros 10, Rockies 6
W: Wade Miller
L: Brian Feuntes
S: Brad Lidge
PoG: Jason Lane 3-5, 2 HR, GS, 5 RBI, 2 R

[Astros02]

Jeff Bagwell dominated opposing pitchers this week, batting at a .500 clip with a 1.774 OPS to go along with 4 Home Runs and 16 RBI, as well as scoring 10 runs.

Bagwell stated in an interview, "I owe it all to Larry Dierker. He's helped me regain my confidence, and I feel like I could play for 5 more years."

[Astros02]

Why couldn't the Astros have played like this in real life? I don't think I've ever started a season so well in OOTP, maybe it's because I'm playing out every game.

[Astros02]

Astros (17-2) vs. Pirates (8-11)

Game 1: Roy Oswalt (0-1, 3.00) vs. Kris Benson (3-0, 3.07)

The Astros offense was held in check as the Brewers shut out the Astros. A 66 minute rain delay in the 5th forced the managers to remove their starters, who were pitching very well. There were only 7 hits in the game.

Pirates 2, Astros 0
W: Kris Benson (4-0)
L: Roy Oswalt (0-2)
S: Mark Guthrie (2)

Game 2: Andy Pettitte (3-0, 4.55) vs. Odalis Perez (2-0, 4.76)

The Astros offense got back on track, taking full advantage of a 60 minute rain delay in the 6th inning that took out Pittsburgh's Odalis Perez. The Astros pounded 5 homers, including 2 by Morgan Ensberg and a pinch homer by Lance Berkman, to humiliate the Pirate's pitchers.

Astros 18, Pirates 8
W: Andy Pettitte (4-0)
L: Odalis Perez (2-1)
PoG: Morgan Ensberg 2-5, 2 HR, BB, 6 RBI, 2 R

Game 3: Roger Clemens (2-0, 3.77) vs. Rick Reed (1-0, 11.57)

These old guys, who have a combined age of 80, showed they could still pitch. Rick Reed threw 7 innings, only allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, but he couldn't match Roger Clemens, who threw a complete game, only allowing 1 man to cross the plate. Clemens was helped out by RBI triples from Richard Hidalgo and Lance Berkman.

Astros 4, Pirates 1
W: Roger Clemens (3-0)
L: Rick Reed (1-1)
PoG: Roger Clemens 9IP, 9H, 1ER, 6 K's

[Astros02]

Reds (13-9) vs. Astros (19-3)

Game 1: Aaron Harang (0-2, 3.45) vs. Wade Miller (3-1, 4.88)

Ken Griffey got the offense started in the 3rd with a 3 run blast, and that's all the Reds needed as they cruised to victory. Aaron Harang allowed only 2 runs in 6 innings for the win.

Reds 5, Astros 2
W: Aaron Harang (1-2)
L: Wade Miller (3-2)
S: Danny Graves (1)
PoG: Ken Griffey 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, R

[Astros02]

Team Leaders:

Avg
.385-Craig Biggio
.321-Jeff Kent
.309-Jeff Bagwell

HR
10-Jeff Bagwell
9-Lance Berkman
7-Jeff Kent/Morgan Ensberg

RBI
31-Jeff Bagwell
27-Jeff Kent
19-Lance Berkman

Stolen Bases
2-Craig Biggio
1-Jeff Bagwell

OPS
1.175-Jeff Bagwell
1.104-Lance Berkman
1.045-Jeff Kent

ERA
2.78-Roy Oswalt
3.15-Roger Clemens
4.64-Andy Pettitte

Wins
4-Andy Pettitte
3-Roger Clemens/Wade Miller

Saves
6-Octavio Dotel
2-Brad Lidge/Fransisco Rodriguez

Strikeouts
38-Roger Clemens
31-Wade Miller
28-Andy Pettitte/Roy Oswalt

I couldn't be happier with my team's performance. At 19-4, I already have a 5 game lead over the Reds in my division.

[And1pg2]

Yo, not being critical of you but whos rating did you update like which players?