Quick thoughts....
You can't be happy with a blowout in the Rockets game 6 loss to Utah - but it did seem like just a matter of time before the Jazz put at least one superb game together. Not surprisingly it happened in their building and with Rafer Alston missing the second half. McGrady was sensational in the first half, singlehandedly getting the Rockets back in the game. But he had so little help. It was nice to see Luis Scola put up productive 5th and 6th games of the series, also of his career. But when Steve Novak comes off the bench and hits his 3 shots to become the only Rocket other than T-Mac or Scola to score 3 baskets - you know it was not a good day. You knew heading into the playoffs, that the what-if questions would follow no matter when the Rockets lost - b/c it was inevitable that the Rockets would lose. Against Utah, LA whoever.
- They need someone else they can count on for offense at the guard or small forward spot.
- They need to get more easy baskets either as a result of running Adelman's offense or from their stifling defense.
- They need to open and close their 2008-09 playoff run with a healthy roster.
As McGrady said on the podium following the game 6 defeat, no reason not to be proud of the accomplishments of the Rockets this season.
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Three come-from-behind victories against the Brewers in their first three-game series sweep of the season. While I'm on board with giving the relief crew props for going the final 8 and 2/3 innings w/o allowing a run, I am not on board with giving Dave Borkowski a pass for coming into the game with 2 runners on, but 2 outs and allowing a 3-run clout to the first batter he faced.
It will be helpful moving forward if Borkowski can stop allowing long balls to the first batter. He did it with pinch-hitting pitcher Micah Owings last week. Sampson wasn't good, but when he walked to the dugout after being pulled, the Astros were trailing 3-2. His pitching line though, included 5 runs allowed b/c Borkowski put the ball on a tee again and both inherited runners scored.
All's well though since the Astros have reached .500 yet again after starting the year 6-12. Tejada and Berkman have been all-worldly and should both be starting at their respective positions at the All-Star game in July. However, among the other 6 spots in the order, only Matsui and Lee are even arguably having productive seasons thus far. So there is plenty of room for improvement.
The rotation is also better than expected. Oswalt will be fine and has put the Astros in position to win each of his last 3 starts. Shawn Chacon's delivered a quality start 5 of the 6 games he's started. Backe and a healthy Wandy Rodriguez also put the Astros in a position to win a lot more often than not. Chris Sampson has got to start getting the ball down. He will not keep getting the benefit of the doubt, he has just been too easy to hit this year.
How about this, 20% of the season is over!!!
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Danny and I are sending someone to Belize tonight!!!!! Thanks to our good friends at Journey's End resorts, we're broadcasting LIVE from Rookies Sports Bar in the Woodlands and we'll be bringing out the Dos Equis girls with us for a special Cinco de Mayo fiesta. We'll be registering those in attendance for a chance to win a trip to Belize. Must be present to win.
I'll explain it more slowly for you. We are broadcasting LIVE from a sportsbar, and beautiful beer girls will be by your side and you have a chance to win a trip to Belize just for showing up!!!
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You want a great deal to go see you Astros beat down the Texas Rangers AND go see Robert Earl Keen AND get a ride to Arlington and back AND have adult refreshments provided AND have lunch provided and almost assuredly have this and this along for the ride as well!!??!??!!
Then just click this link, watch the video and sign up for the SportsRadio 610 Modia Bus trip: Volume II coming up on May 17.
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