The Astros are the blue kind of "on fire" right now, defeating the Blue Jays 4-1 last night are picking up their 100th win of the season. This set many records. Tags full recap of the game is here, which I will watch and read later because I was unable to catch the game. Please do not stop reading because I am uninformed.
Roberto Osuna agreed to a peace bond today and is no longer facing any criminal charges. Alison Craig, a practicing lawyer in Canada, was on The Usual Suspects yesterday to try and explain the situation and why everything happened the way that it did. (Go to "09/26/2018 The Usual Suspects Hour 3" and fast forward to ~13:45 for the interview. Roughly 9 minutes in length)
Carlos Correa will be back in the lineup today and "feels a lot more comfortable."
A viral post has made its rounds involving an 8 year old girl with DMDD who was told be be quiet for yelling. At a sporting event. I have no doubts the Astros organization will do something very kind for this family.
Ken Giles is not backing down of the comments he made about the Astros organization.
Keep your eye on Freudis Nova in 2019.
The Astros are going with a bullpen day today. Chris Devenski will start.
Charlie Morton will rejoin the Astros in Baltimore and is expected to make a shortened start this weekend.
Geoff Blum talks to The Crawford Boxes about Weird Word Wednesdays.
Playoff Tickets. Friday. Buy them up.
Don't fret: the Astros are going to be in contention for a very long time.
Andrew McCutchen had a night to remember.
The Rangers were cuddling up on the 'ol ball diamond last night.
A rapper was hospitalized because he overdosed on Hot Cheetos.
On This Day in Baseball History
In 1954, Yogi Berra played his only game at third base. Mickey Mantle also played shortstop.
In 1965, the Twins won their first pennant since moving to Minnesota.
In 1981, Nolan Ryan threw his 5th career no-hitter, the only pitcher ever to do so.
In 1997, Mike Piazza hit a ball 500 feet.
In 2007, umpire Mike Winters was suspended without pay for the rest of the year after his confrontation with Milton Bradley, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during the skirmish.
In 2012, Milo Hamilton called his final game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Astros won the game 2-0, and Milo said "Holy Toledo" one last time.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label Milo Hamilton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Milo Hamilton. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Monday, September 21, 2015
Monday Morning Reset
With the Astros beating the A's 5-1 yesterday, the Twins beating the Angels and the Mariners beating the Rangers, Houston picked up a game on everybody. So the situation is:
Rangers: -
Astros: -1.5
Angels: -4
Twins: -4
FanGraphs gives the Astros a 32.6% chance of winning the division and a 79.4% chance of making the postseason.
*Dallas Morning News' Kevin Sherrington:
Now that the Rangers don't have the Astros to kick around anymore - at least not until next week - it's time they lived up to their first-place billing in the West.
*Colby Rasmus hit his 20th and 21st home runs in Sunday's win, giving him 20+ HR for the third time in the last four seasons. It was the 6th multi-HR game of his career.
It's always good to answer back when they score or be able to push your foot on their throat when you can.
*George Springer hit his first homer since coming back from the DL.
*The Astros have a two-game winning streak for the first time since August 25-26.
*Collin McHugh threw 8IP, 4H/1ER, 8K:2BB yesterday, his longest outing since June 28, and a much-needed outing after allowing 14H/10ER, 9K:5BB in 9IP against the A's and Rangers in his previous two outings. It was the 9th time in McHugh's 30 starts this season where he has allowed 0-1 earned runs. He has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 30 starts.
The next six games are against the Angels and Rangers, so who's down for a heart attack this week?
*ESPN's Christina Kahrl breaks down whether the Angels have a chance against the Astros, which is a little too much fate-tempting, if you ask me.
Considering the decent advantages the Astros have as far as the pitching matchups, a romp here might not just put the Angels away to stay, it might answer questions over whether Houston is resilient enough to win the West after all.
*Jeff Passan breaks down the insanity that could lie ahead in the AL Playoff picture.
*Bunch of reports are out saying that the Astros are sending 30-year old Assistant GM David Stearns to Milwaukee to complete the Carlos Gomez trade and to be the Brewers' GM.
*Evan Drellich writes that Stearns is likely the first of many Astros' PYTs to be lured away by promotions with other teams.
*Mark Appel struck out ten batters in 5.2IP as Fresno won Game 5 and the PCL title from Round Rock. Appel:
I thought today was one of my best outings on the year as far as my stuff and location and consistency of it. It's a great way to end my season and win Game 5. You can't draw it up any better.
Tony Kemp was named Pacific Coast League playoff MVP. Fresno will play International League champ Columbus on Tuesday in a 1-game "series" to determine the Triple-A champion. This time it counts!
*Now that the playoffs are (for the most part) over in the minors, we could be seeing Jon Singleton and probably a pitcher in Houston soon.
*Carlos Gomez swung a fungo bat yesterday.
I feel better when I move. The most difficult thing is to bat. On Saturday I did some very strenuous exercises with the medicine ball throwing it while simulating like I was batting, and I felt very good.
*Funeral arrangements have been announced by Milo's family, and includes a public viewing on Friday, Saturday, and Saturday.
*Scary news out of Atlanta as Mike Foltynewicz is in the hospital with blood clots in his arm.
Rangers: -
Astros: -1.5
Angels: -4
Twins: -4
FanGraphs gives the Astros a 32.6% chance of winning the division and a 79.4% chance of making the postseason.
*Dallas Morning News' Kevin Sherrington:
Now that the Rangers don't have the Astros to kick around anymore - at least not until next week - it's time they lived up to their first-place billing in the West.
*Colby Rasmus hit his 20th and 21st home runs in Sunday's win, giving him 20+ HR for the third time in the last four seasons. It was the 6th multi-HR game of his career.
It's always good to answer back when they score or be able to push your foot on their throat when you can.
*George Springer hit his first homer since coming back from the DL.
*The Astros have a two-game winning streak for the first time since August 25-26.
*Collin McHugh threw 8IP, 4H/1ER, 8K:2BB yesterday, his longest outing since June 28, and a much-needed outing after allowing 14H/10ER, 9K:5BB in 9IP against the A's and Rangers in his previous two outings. It was the 9th time in McHugh's 30 starts this season where he has allowed 0-1 earned runs. He has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 15 of his 30 starts.
The next six games are against the Angels and Rangers, so who's down for a heart attack this week?
*ESPN's Christina Kahrl breaks down whether the Angels have a chance against the Astros, which is a little too much fate-tempting, if you ask me.
Considering the decent advantages the Astros have as far as the pitching matchups, a romp here might not just put the Angels away to stay, it might answer questions over whether Houston is resilient enough to win the West after all.
*Jeff Passan breaks down the insanity that could lie ahead in the AL Playoff picture.
*Bunch of reports are out saying that the Astros are sending 30-year old Assistant GM David Stearns to Milwaukee to complete the Carlos Gomez trade and to be the Brewers' GM.
*Evan Drellich writes that Stearns is likely the first of many Astros' PYTs to be lured away by promotions with other teams.
*Mark Appel struck out ten batters in 5.2IP as Fresno won Game 5 and the PCL title from Round Rock. Appel:
I thought today was one of my best outings on the year as far as my stuff and location and consistency of it. It's a great way to end my season and win Game 5. You can't draw it up any better.
Tony Kemp was named Pacific Coast League playoff MVP. Fresno will play International League champ Columbus on Tuesday in a 1-game "series" to determine the Triple-A champion. This time it counts!
*Now that the playoffs are (for the most part) over in the minors, we could be seeing Jon Singleton and probably a pitcher in Houston soon.
*Carlos Gomez swung a fungo bat yesterday.
I feel better when I move. The most difficult thing is to bat. On Saturday I did some very strenuous exercises with the medicine ball throwing it while simulating like I was batting, and I felt very good.
*Funeral arrangements have been announced by Milo's family, and includes a public viewing on Friday, Saturday, and Saturday.
*Scary news out of Atlanta as Mike Foltynewicz is in the hospital with blood clots in his arm.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Remembering Milo
As you have likely seen all over Houston media, the Astros are playing their final home game as a National League team tonight. The Houston Press had a crap column about it this morning.
But what it means for Astros fans is that Milo Hamilton - the voice of Astros' radio since 1987 - is calling his last game tonight.
Most are pretty happy, because Milo has either (A) Not been himself for the last few years, often going long stretches without mentioning things like the score. Or the inning. Or the game itself. Or Milo was (B) Totally Being Himself.
Still, I'll miss him. In 2006 my wife and made a traumatic move from Texas to upstate New York and, predictably, got quite homesick. It's one thing to be married and living six hours from "home." It's another thing to be 38 hours by car from home, or to get on a plane and be in London quicker than you would be in Houston.
We had XM at the time, and we spent a number of evenings in the summer of 2006 (and the subsequent two seasons before moving back south) sitting by the car and listening to Milo/Astros. We listened to at least 120 games that season. By the end of August we had to transition from shorts to sweatshirts. Were they great broadcasts? Technically, it was just alright. But it was Milo, and he was our connection back home.
At one point my wife and I had the opportunity to eat dinner with Milo - there's absolutely no way he'd remember - at an Italian restaurant Upstate. There was another guy there with him, but I can remember very little about him. We just sat and ate dinner and listened to Milo tell stories. The three of us (plus that other guy).
Have you ever gone to see a band for the first time that you had listened to for years, and couldn't help but think, "Amazing - that's exactly how they sound on their albums..." That's what dinner was like. I knew Milo's physical appearance, but to see him sitting in front of me, and trying not to watch him eat, all I could think was, "This is the guy who told me what was (or wasn't) happening with the Astros for years."
We can't remember any of the stories he told, but it was a good night. He didn't know us, but he treated us like we were two people who were acceptable enough to at least eat dinner with.
I'll miss Milo.
But what it means for Astros fans is that Milo Hamilton - the voice of Astros' radio since 1987 - is calling his last game tonight.
Most are pretty happy, because Milo has either (A) Not been himself for the last few years, often going long stretches without mentioning things like the score. Or the inning. Or the game itself. Or Milo was (B) Totally Being Himself.
Still, I'll miss him. In 2006 my wife and made a traumatic move from Texas to upstate New York and, predictably, got quite homesick. It's one thing to be married and living six hours from "home." It's another thing to be 38 hours by car from home, or to get on a plane and be in London quicker than you would be in Houston.
We had XM at the time, and we spent a number of evenings in the summer of 2006 (and the subsequent two seasons before moving back south) sitting by the car and listening to Milo/Astros. We listened to at least 120 games that season. By the end of August we had to transition from shorts to sweatshirts. Were they great broadcasts? Technically, it was just alright. But it was Milo, and he was our connection back home.
At one point my wife and I had the opportunity to eat dinner with Milo - there's absolutely no way he'd remember - at an Italian restaurant Upstate. There was another guy there with him, but I can remember very little about him. We just sat and ate dinner and listened to Milo tell stories. The three of us (plus that other guy).
Have you ever gone to see a band for the first time that you had listened to for years, and couldn't help but think, "Amazing - that's exactly how they sound on their albums..." That's what dinner was like. I knew Milo's physical appearance, but to see him sitting in front of me, and trying not to watch him eat, all I could think was, "This is the guy who told me what was (or wasn't) happening with the Astros for years."
We can't remember any of the stories he told, but it was a good night. He didn't know us, but he treated us like we were two people who were acceptable enough to at least eat dinner with.
I'll miss Milo.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday Morning Link Dump
Here's your Friday morning link dump...
*In the story about the Astros interviewing Bo Porter, Luhnow explains what he's looking for in a manager. (Chronicle)
*J.D. Martinez will likely be playing winter ball. Luhnow wants him to play in Venezuela, but the volatile elections are making that difficult. (Chronicle)
*Bud Norris is having his next start skipped, due to a blister issue. (Astros.com)
*CSN Houston hired its first on-air talent from Washington. (Washington Post)
*No, Milo Hamilton did not pass away last night. (Lance Zierlein)
*In the story about the Astros interviewing Bo Porter, Luhnow explains what he's looking for in a manager. (Chronicle)
*J.D. Martinez will likely be playing winter ball. Luhnow wants him to play in Venezuela, but the volatile elections are making that difficult. (Chronicle)
*Bud Norris is having his next start skipped, due to a blister issue. (Astros.com)
*CSN Houston hired its first on-air talent from Washington. (Washington Post)
*No, Milo Hamilton did not pass away last night. (Lance Zierlein)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Milo to retire
David Barron says that the 2012 season will be broadcaster Milo Hamilton's final year calling Astros games, which he has done since 1985.
An Astros official would not confirm the scheduled news conference, and Hamilton declined comment Tuesday afternoon. However, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed plans for the announcement, and local advertising agencies received notice Tuesday that Hamilton has scheduled his announcement for Wednesday.
2012 will be his 57th year in the booth calling baseball games.
An Astros official would not confirm the scheduled news conference, and Hamilton declined comment Tuesday afternoon. However, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed plans for the announcement, and local advertising agencies received notice Tuesday that Hamilton has scheduled his announcement for Wednesday.
2012 will be his 57th year in the booth calling baseball games.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Astros FanFest 2012: Kool-Aid Edition
As I wandered around MMP early Saturday morning, one thought kept sticking out at me "Why does the scoreboard show the AstBros losing 9-7?"
I know that we are a long ways from Opening Day (April 6th) but this can't be a good omen for the upcoming season. Is this just an unfortunate reminder of the final home game of last season? Was anyone even there to see the end of our boys last game?
After some quick checking, they did lose that last game 13-6 to the Cards. So whats the deal? Well...
The Astros finish up their Winter Caravan by pulling into Union Station and trying to obliviate all memories of 2011. There are new faces on the side of the building and new faces on the dais.
I sat down in the first talking baseball session of the morning, fans were greeted by 63 year vet, Milo Hamilton. Milo is a strange cat. He seems to be reinvigorated by the long offseason and is talking three more years. I'm actually surprised my man can still find the stadium, but more power to him. Brett and Dave will be herding cats trying to keep him on topic.
Next to Milo was George Postolos, Jim Cranes right hand man. This is when the Astros started pouring my Kool-Aid. GP came out blasting with his accomplishments, and I think that was the right move. He has a resume most of us dream of, and connections that a man his age should not be able to have. I like knowing the Houston 9 are being led by a guy at his professional peak, not a guy sailing off into the sunset. He still has more to prove and the experience to pull the trigger without peeps questioning him.
GP went on to make some fine points about why Mr. Crane chose to pursue the AstBros instead of other options. The immaculate condition of MMP was a big selling point. It may be weird and have some non-traditional playing conditions but I'll be damned if it doesn't even need touch-up paint. The TV deal that's in place with the HouRox, is only going to get better next year and Houston's economy is in pretty good shape compared to most places.
The main point GP wanted to leave fans with is he wants to invest in becoming the best organization with the best talent. And the first step was identifying a new GM. He looked under every rock, in every cave, went to palm readings and got recommendations from his barber. All roads led to the same guy, Jeff Luhnow, formerly of the Redbirds. Mr. Luhnow was the architect of the Championship team last year, drafting and scouting almost the entire roster and building a pipeline of MiLB talent that gives Baseball Americas pants a rise.
The next step in packing the Juicebox with rabid fans is to find ways to have fun at the ballpark. Everything from free family friendly initiatives to $5 beers and a wine bar, there will be affordable ways to get your Shooting Star swerve on. Side note: I brought my first bottle of water in and used it to wash down a protein bar from home. This made my day. No hot dog and soda in this temple.
When the topic of the dreaded name change came up, GP made it clear that every option in making the fan experience is on the table, and the openness of Mr. Crane to all possibilities and the press needing a good headline combined to make a throw away comment a national news story. In effect, they accomplished a huge objective by gaining attention for all the real iniatives being put in place. How you like them apples?
Next up was the club's 1st choice for leading our organiztion's player evaluation and acquisitions, Mr. Luhnow. Who will be forever pegged the GQGM by Brad Mills after Jeff took a friendly jab at Brad's lack of follicular prowess. My Kool-aid glass is nearly half full at this point. GQGM's resume was already exalted by GP so he dove right into his plans. He'll be in Dominican tomorrow to help out our Latin team and then head onto Kissimmee after that for Spring Training. Did you know he speaks Spanish? Maybe he can tell Carlos to put down the fork in a way he'll understand (At least Dierker agrees with me on that. If you witnessed his diatribe about Carlos, you will not forget it.) GQGM went on to let fans know that 9 players have already reported and doors were opened on Feb. 1st for players to fire it up if so inclined. the caravan was a huge success this year from the standpoint of getting to meet fans and take in all their ideas (Hey guy that want's to abolish the closer role, shut up). Fan interaction is a big objective for the new front office and GQGM is at the front of that wave, using twitter and good old fashioned handshaking. When Mr. Crane returns from Pebble Beach, you can expect the same from him as well. It is a new day.
Mr. Luhnow then went on to promise that the one thing the organization can control from the players is effort. We're going to see guys busting their proverbial tails night in and night out. This is how you win Houston fans hearts, and he really saw that first hand at the Texans playoff game this year. We adore our blue collar guys, and that's what he expects from his players and coaches. We're going to out work and out hustle everyone else.
With 21 rookies last year there were a lot of chances to learn about themselves according to Brad Mills. Losing took its toll on the group and he wants all the guys to remember how it felt to get bent over a barrel repeatedly, learn from history and all that.
This group of guys has a couple all-stars waiting to break out and with the addition of select free agents and the #1 overall draft pick , there will be an influx of talent and open competition at almost every spot. While having the top spot in the draft is a blessing this year GQGM does not want it to ever happen again. they'll be spending more than every other team on the draft and trying to keep up in international signings. All these pieces will give us the ability to trade for established talent when the time comes. My glass is getting full.
Coach Brad Mills was the last guy on the stage to get a turn at the mic, and he used it to talk about the competitions going into this season. There are 61 Bros headed to camp and a few extra MiLB catchers to spell the 4 ML invites. (I spied Chris Snyder signing today, that's a big dude. Looks like a masher.) Coach Mills is excited to add some proven ML players like Jack Cust, Zach Duke and Livan Hernandez but the name that came up all day from everyone was Jed Lowrie. They are expecting huge things from him and Mills also believes we have a unscratched lotto ticket with Fernando Martinez. I love the optimism this time of year.
Some final notes from the day:
-We will be teaching winning at every level. the expectation is to develop talent while winning. Will effect player choices in free agency and the draft.
-Brad Mills reads Jerry Maxwell books on leadership.
-CBA changes this offseason are positive for Astros
-GQGM is off the market ladies. He recently got hitched. Congrats
-The first Astroline guest (of February) will be Jim Crane. I'll be listening for sure.
-Altuve got 900 AB's between all the leagues last year. Had to get him to take a short break before spring.
-Coaches have been given player capsules that contain Bio's, Headshots, Video and career stats for their meetings Feb. 18-19.
-Expect CJ, Bogusevic and Wallace to get every chance to win jobs outright.
-Bud Norris has matured into a staff leader, and has my vote to be the Opening Day starter. Used this offseason to mentor young gun Jarred Cosart. That's time well spent Bud.
-Bud wants to be a lifelong Astro, loves Houston
-Bud is inspired by Roy O and how he evolved as a pitcher throughout his career, and hopes to emulate his success.
-Bud also had a great line of pitching coaches coming up and credits each one for maximizing his current skill set.
-JD Martinez feels lucky to be at ML already. Once he got his confidence it was only a matter of time before he hit his way to Houston.
-JD's mom is the President of his fan club and keeps him humble while getting him interactions with fans.
-JD's unique batting stance is a product of evolution over many years. It is not an imitation of anyone as most believe.
-Larry Dierker's fondest baseball memory was the ceremony for the all-Astrodome team before the final game in 1999. 30 minutes of baseball heaven.
-LD is excited about a uniform change and mentioned all former designs are being considered, even the navy and gold.
-John McMullen's wife hates the color orange. That was the reason we abandoned the Rainbow look. Crazy.
-Flashback Friday's guarantee throwbacks including batting helmets and hats all season. There will be 2 jersy giveaways and the rest will be available for purchase.
-The Walk of Fame will be opened this year honoring all players with their numbers retired and Milo and Gene Elston as well. Plaques will be placed outside MMP.
Play ball kids! $15 for 5 swings on the field was a great way to raise money for the Urban Youth Academy. But not having kids bats was a huge mistake. I saw a 40 pound girl try and swing a 34 inch piece of maple out of necessity.
So about that losing scoreboard. It was probably an omen after its all said and done, but I'll be happy to see us go down swinging. It feels like 1962 or 1991 in Houston right now and thats not a bad thing.
Before I walked back to truck, I slammed that glass of Kool-aid down, and it was good. Baseball season is here and I'm ready to live-blog. Who's coming with me?
I know that we are a long ways from Opening Day (April 6th) but this can't be a good omen for the upcoming season. Is this just an unfortunate reminder of the final home game of last season? Was anyone even there to see the end of our boys last game?
After some quick checking, they did lose that last game 13-6 to the Cards. So whats the deal? Well...
The Astros finish up their Winter Caravan by pulling into Union Station and trying to obliviate all memories of 2011. There are new faces on the side of the building and new faces on the dais.
I sat down in the first talking baseball session of the morning, fans were greeted by 63 year vet, Milo Hamilton. Milo is a strange cat. He seems to be reinvigorated by the long offseason and is talking three more years. I'm actually surprised my man can still find the stadium, but more power to him. Brett and Dave will be herding cats trying to keep him on topic.
Next to Milo was George Postolos, Jim Cranes right hand man. This is when the Astros started pouring my Kool-Aid. GP came out blasting with his accomplishments, and I think that was the right move. He has a resume most of us dream of, and connections that a man his age should not be able to have. I like knowing the Houston 9 are being led by a guy at his professional peak, not a guy sailing off into the sunset. He still has more to prove and the experience to pull the trigger without peeps questioning him.
GP went on to make some fine points about why Mr. Crane chose to pursue the AstBros instead of other options. The immaculate condition of MMP was a big selling point. It may be weird and have some non-traditional playing conditions but I'll be damned if it doesn't even need touch-up paint. The TV deal that's in place with the HouRox, is only going to get better next year and Houston's economy is in pretty good shape compared to most places.
The main point GP wanted to leave fans with is he wants to invest in becoming the best organization with the best talent. And the first step was identifying a new GM. He looked under every rock, in every cave, went to palm readings and got recommendations from his barber. All roads led to the same guy, Jeff Luhnow, formerly of the Redbirds. Mr. Luhnow was the architect of the Championship team last year, drafting and scouting almost the entire roster and building a pipeline of MiLB talent that gives Baseball Americas pants a rise.
The next step in packing the Juicebox with rabid fans is to find ways to have fun at the ballpark. Everything from free family friendly initiatives to $5 beers and a wine bar, there will be affordable ways to get your Shooting Star swerve on. Side note: I brought my first bottle of water in and used it to wash down a protein bar from home. This made my day. No hot dog and soda in this temple.
When the topic of the dreaded name change came up, GP made it clear that every option in making the fan experience is on the table, and the openness of Mr. Crane to all possibilities and the press needing a good headline combined to make a throw away comment a national news story. In effect, they accomplished a huge objective by gaining attention for all the real iniatives being put in place. How you like them apples?
Next up was the club's 1st choice for leading our organiztion's player evaluation and acquisitions, Mr. Luhnow. Who will be forever pegged the GQGM by Brad Mills after Jeff took a friendly jab at Brad's lack of follicular prowess. My Kool-aid glass is nearly half full at this point. GQGM's resume was already exalted by GP so he dove right into his plans. He'll be in Dominican tomorrow to help out our Latin team and then head onto Kissimmee after that for Spring Training. Did you know he speaks Spanish? Maybe he can tell Carlos to put down the fork in a way he'll understand (At least Dierker agrees with me on that. If you witnessed his diatribe about Carlos, you will not forget it.) GQGM went on to let fans know that 9 players have already reported and doors were opened on Feb. 1st for players to fire it up if so inclined. the caravan was a huge success this year from the standpoint of getting to meet fans and take in all their ideas (Hey guy that want's to abolish the closer role, shut up). Fan interaction is a big objective for the new front office and GQGM is at the front of that wave, using twitter and good old fashioned handshaking. When Mr. Crane returns from Pebble Beach, you can expect the same from him as well. It is a new day.
Mr. Luhnow then went on to promise that the one thing the organization can control from the players is effort. We're going to see guys busting their proverbial tails night in and night out. This is how you win Houston fans hearts, and he really saw that first hand at the Texans playoff game this year. We adore our blue collar guys, and that's what he expects from his players and coaches. We're going to out work and out hustle everyone else.
With 21 rookies last year there were a lot of chances to learn about themselves according to Brad Mills. Losing took its toll on the group and he wants all the guys to remember how it felt to get bent over a barrel repeatedly, learn from history and all that.
This group of guys has a couple all-stars waiting to break out and with the addition of select free agents and the #1 overall draft pick , there will be an influx of talent and open competition at almost every spot. While having the top spot in the draft is a blessing this year GQGM does not want it to ever happen again. they'll be spending more than every other team on the draft and trying to keep up in international signings. All these pieces will give us the ability to trade for established talent when the time comes. My glass is getting full.
Coach Brad Mills was the last guy on the stage to get a turn at the mic, and he used it to talk about the competitions going into this season. There are 61 Bros headed to camp and a few extra MiLB catchers to spell the 4 ML invites. (I spied Chris Snyder signing today, that's a big dude. Looks like a masher.) Coach Mills is excited to add some proven ML players like Jack Cust, Zach Duke and Livan Hernandez but the name that came up all day from everyone was Jed Lowrie. They are expecting huge things from him and Mills also believes we have a unscratched lotto ticket with Fernando Martinez. I love the optimism this time of year.
Some final notes from the day:
-We will be teaching winning at every level. the expectation is to develop talent while winning. Will effect player choices in free agency and the draft.
-Brad Mills reads Jerry Maxwell books on leadership.
-CBA changes this offseason are positive for Astros
-GQGM is off the market ladies. He recently got hitched. Congrats
-The first Astroline guest (of February) will be Jim Crane. I'll be listening for sure.
-Altuve got 900 AB's between all the leagues last year. Had to get him to take a short break before spring.
-Coaches have been given player capsules that contain Bio's, Headshots, Video and career stats for their meetings Feb. 18-19.
-Expect CJ, Bogusevic and Wallace to get every chance to win jobs outright.
-Bud Norris has matured into a staff leader, and has my vote to be the Opening Day starter. Used this offseason to mentor young gun Jarred Cosart. That's time well spent Bud.
-Bud wants to be a lifelong Astro, loves Houston
-Bud is inspired by Roy O and how he evolved as a pitcher throughout his career, and hopes to emulate his success.
-Bud also had a great line of pitching coaches coming up and credits each one for maximizing his current skill set.
-JD Martinez feels lucky to be at ML already. Once he got his confidence it was only a matter of time before he hit his way to Houston.
-JD's mom is the President of his fan club and keeps him humble while getting him interactions with fans.
-JD's unique batting stance is a product of evolution over many years. It is not an imitation of anyone as most believe.
-Larry Dierker's fondest baseball memory was the ceremony for the all-Astrodome team before the final game in 1999. 30 minutes of baseball heaven.
-LD is excited about a uniform change and mentioned all former designs are being considered, even the navy and gold.
-John McMullen's wife hates the color orange. That was the reason we abandoned the Rainbow look. Crazy.
-Flashback Friday's guarantee throwbacks including batting helmets and hats all season. There will be 2 jersy giveaways and the rest will be available for purchase.
-The Walk of Fame will be opened this year honoring all players with their numbers retired and Milo and Gene Elston as well. Plaques will be placed outside MMP.
Play ball kids! $15 for 5 swings on the field was a great way to raise money for the Urban Youth Academy. But not having kids bats was a huge mistake. I saw a 40 pound girl try and swing a 34 inch piece of maple out of necessity.
So about that losing scoreboard. It was probably an omen after its all said and done, but I'll be happy to see us go down swinging. It feels like 1962 or 1991 in Houston right now and thats not a bad thing.
Before I walked back to truck, I slammed that glass of Kool-aid down, and it was good. Baseball season is here and I'm ready to live-blog. Who's coming with me?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Berkman's conditioning was just fine
In the second of a two-part series on Former Astros Dominating Once They Leave Houston, Fox 43 (out of Pennsylvania) addressed Lance Berkman.
Tony LaRussa:
"We've been really impressed with his conditioning and how his legs have stood up. That was the only thing we worried about because you have a sore leg like he did last year and he's basically hitting on one leg. That explained those stats."
Now, remember Milo blasted Lance for his conditioning back in April.
Tony LaRussa:
"We've been really impressed with his conditioning and how his legs have stood up. That was the only thing we worried about because you have a sore leg like he did last year and he's basically hitting on one leg. That explained those stats."
Now, remember Milo blasted Lance for his conditioning back in April.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Jeff Gordon won't leave it alone about Milo not leaving Berkman alone
Jeff Gordon's Tipsheet in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has this note:
Tipsheet caught the Houston broadcast of the Cards-Astros game Thursday night on satellite radio while driving home from a meeting. The seventh inning conversation turned to Lance Berkman and his All-Star Game candidacy.
Astros play-by-play man Milo Hamilton couldn’t resist needling Berkman, again. Earlier he ripped Berkman for whipping himself into top shape as a Cardinal after failing to do so during final, injury-marred season an Astro.
Milo’s Thursday night comment was something like this: “If he makes the All-Star Game, I hope he brings his trainer.”
Snap!
/Dead Horse
Tipsheet caught the Houston broadcast of the Cards-Astros game Thursday night on satellite radio while driving home from a meeting. The seventh inning conversation turned to Lance Berkman and his All-Star Game candidacy.
Astros play-by-play man Milo Hamilton couldn’t resist needling Berkman, again. Earlier he ripped Berkman for whipping himself into top shape as a Cardinal after failing to do so during final, injury-marred season an Astro.
Milo’s Thursday night comment was something like this: “If he makes the All-Star Game, I hope he brings his trainer.”
Snap!
/Dead Horse
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Milo Backlash begins...
John Royal has a post at the Houston Press eviscerating Milo Hamilton for his comments (and various and sundry other episodes):
Milo's game prep appears to be jotting down where he had lunch so he can talk about that during the entire game. He never knows what's going on during a game, and during Alan Ashby's tenure as color commentator, it was well known that Ashby was cluing Milo into what was happening on the field.
Before Milo criticizes Berkman's commitment to the game while with the Astros, perhaps someone should question Milo's commitment to the game.
I understand. I really do. While I don't agree with Milo's comments about Lance, there's something about listening to an Astros game and hearing Milo talk. And, full disclosure: The Wife and I were once able to have dinner with Milo, and it was pretty incredible, because I had listened to him for years. I don't know if it's because we don't live in Houston anymore, but Milo reminds me of my youth, which is quickly escaping me. If that means I have to listen to Milo talk about ointment, or some restaurant he went to for lunch, so be it. I can find out the score/count/situation in any number of other ways.
While Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond do an excellent job with the scoreboard, and filling in for times when Milo is presumably in the bathroom, or getting a foot rub, it's as simple as the fact that I like listening to Milo. Technology has actually advanced in such a way that I don't need Milo to be my eyes and ears. Dolan and Raymond know their role enough to fill in Milo's blanks.
So, yes, Milo is old. Yes, Milo rambles. But it's comforting. To me, anyway.
Milo's game prep appears to be jotting down where he had lunch so he can talk about that during the entire game. He never knows what's going on during a game, and during Alan Ashby's tenure as color commentator, it was well known that Ashby was cluing Milo into what was happening on the field.
Before Milo criticizes Berkman's commitment to the game while with the Astros, perhaps someone should question Milo's commitment to the game.
I understand. I really do. While I don't agree with Milo's comments about Lance, there's something about listening to an Astros game and hearing Milo talk. And, full disclosure: The Wife and I were once able to have dinner with Milo, and it was pretty incredible, because I had listened to him for years. I don't know if it's because we don't live in Houston anymore, but Milo reminds me of my youth, which is quickly escaping me. If that means I have to listen to Milo talk about ointment, or some restaurant he went to for lunch, so be it. I can find out the score/count/situation in any number of other ways.
While Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond do an excellent job with the scoreboard, and filling in for times when Milo is presumably in the bathroom, or getting a foot rub, it's as simple as the fact that I like listening to Milo. Technology has actually advanced in such a way that I don't need Milo to be my eyes and ears. Dolan and Raymond know their role enough to fill in Milo's blanks.
So, yes, Milo is old. Yes, Milo rambles. But it's comforting. To me, anyway.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
More Gasoline for you...
Captip to Citizen Andrew for sending the link, but Berkman's long-time personal trainer - Danny Arnold - responded to Milo's criticism from yesterday on 1560 The Game. Click the link for the audio, but here's a transcript snippet:
"Pretty much what (Milo) is saying is ludicrous, he's an idiot...One of the things that I think has hurt Lance is that he depended on him to be a leader in there - not saying that he wasn't a leader, but doing things that weren't necessarily best for him, he did make those kind of sacrifices. I think in reality it actually hurt him, because he wasn't able to focus on the off-season recovery... They've always made comments about Lance like that, and they try to blame somebody else.
When Lance started working with us, he had his best year, and the following year we did exactly the same thing, and he didn't have a great year, and they try to blame him in the off-season. And then in the following year, he had one of the historic half-seasons for any baseball player. They're just trying to find excuses."
There's a lot more, and it's definitely worth a listen.
"Pretty much what (Milo) is saying is ludicrous, he's an idiot...One of the things that I think has hurt Lance is that he depended on him to be a leader in there - not saying that he wasn't a leader, but doing things that weren't necessarily best for him, he did make those kind of sacrifices. I think in reality it actually hurt him, because he wasn't able to focus on the off-season recovery... They've always made comments about Lance like that, and they try to blame somebody else.
When Lance started working with us, he had his best year, and the following year we did exactly the same thing, and he didn't have a great year, and they try to blame him in the off-season. And then in the following year, he had one of the historic half-seasons for any baseball player. They're just trying to find excuses."
There's a lot more, and it's definitely worth a listen.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Milo, on Lance
Captip to Zach Levine for the link, but Milo went off on Lance Berkman on SportsTalk 790:
"I want to know, if a guy gave you $85 million, and that's what Drayton did in the last contract...and he said, 'This is your team,' and he said that...wasn't in his persona, to be a leader. Yet last night, Tony LaRussa - when asked about Berkman - 'He's now the leader on this team, he is the inspiration to the older players, he goes around an inspires the younger players," and he got in excellent shape by hiring a trainer. If he had done that the last couple of years that he was here, guys, he could have finished out a really fine career in Houston if he had given it that same dedication. I just want a simple answer - why did you think it wasn't necessary to get in shape your last couple of years as an Astro, but now for team you didn't even know, a manager you never played for, you felt it was your responsibility to get in great shape?
...Lance, I love ya. You've got a great family, you're one of the greatest ministers in all of sports...but wouldn't it have been great to have given it that same dedication to the Astros and the owner here that you did in two short months for the Cardinals?"
That's just a snip, but it's well worth a listen, and an answer.
"I want to know, if a guy gave you $85 million, and that's what Drayton did in the last contract...and he said, 'This is your team,' and he said that...wasn't in his persona, to be a leader. Yet last night, Tony LaRussa - when asked about Berkman - 'He's now the leader on this team, he is the inspiration to the older players, he goes around an inspires the younger players," and he got in excellent shape by hiring a trainer. If he had done that the last couple of years that he was here, guys, he could have finished out a really fine career in Houston if he had given it that same dedication. I just want a simple answer - why did you think it wasn't necessary to get in shape your last couple of years as an Astro, but now for team you didn't even know, a manager you never played for, you felt it was your responsibility to get in great shape?
...Lance, I love ya. You've got a great family, you're one of the greatest ministers in all of sports...but wouldn't it have been great to have given it that same dedication to the Astros and the owner here that you did in two short months for the Cardinals?"
That's just a snip, but it's well worth a listen, and an answer.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Astroline to resume Wednesday
Courtesy of Alyson Footer, Astroline will resume Wednesday night at 7pm on the flagship, 740 KTRH. Join Milo Hamilton as he chats with Brad Mills.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Now it's Footer's turn to bust on JJO
In JJO's ridiculous post yesterday, he incurred the wrath of Astros County. Now he's incurred the wrath and record-straightening arm of Alyson Footer.
JJO said, of Milo:
Count Dave Clark among the legions happy that the legendary Milo Hamilton, a four-time Hall of Famer who is fighting cancer, will land in New York tonight in anticipation of calling the Astros' weekend series at new Citi Field.
This is alarming, as nobody had heard of this. Footer had this to say tonight:
I'd like to take a quick moment to address Milo's health situation. He recently finished an eight-session treatment to regulate his white blood count, and he will meet with doctors next week to discuss how the treatments went and what's in store for his future. This is not a new development -- Milo has had a chronic form of leukemia since the mid 1970s and his recent treatment was necessitated because of his health history. As Milo explained to me a couple of months ago, this is to prolong his life, not to save it.
A recent blog stated simply that Milo has "cancer," with no explanation of the circumstances surrounding the disease. Technically, yes, it's cancer. But this is not a new thing, as Milo has spent the last 35 years living with his illness.
I hope this clears up any confusion that report may have caused.
Snap.
JJO said, of Milo:
Count Dave Clark among the legions happy that the legendary Milo Hamilton, a four-time Hall of Famer who is fighting cancer, will land in New York tonight in anticipation of calling the Astros' weekend series at new Citi Field.
This is alarming, as nobody had heard of this. Footer had this to say tonight:
I'd like to take a quick moment to address Milo's health situation. He recently finished an eight-session treatment to regulate his white blood count, and he will meet with doctors next week to discuss how the treatments went and what's in store for his future. This is not a new development -- Milo has had a chronic form of leukemia since the mid 1970s and his recent treatment was necessitated because of his health history. As Milo explained to me a couple of months ago, this is to prolong his life, not to save it.
A recent blog stated simply that Milo has "cancer," with no explanation of the circumstances surrounding the disease. Technically, yes, it's cancer. But this is not a new thing, as Milo has spent the last 35 years living with his illness.
I hope this clears up any confusion that report may have caused.
Snap.
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