Game Thread 5/31 @ HOU. Aurila in for Kearns

[Walkerforpres]

Seriously...how do you let a role player player dictate what moves you make? Unreal.

When your "role player" hit 37 HRs in 2001, yet has failed to post an OPS over .735 in every year since, he must be an integral, must-play "power hitter".
The FO learned their lesson on Danny Graves and the huge gap in his reputation and performance, yet they continue to defiantly play Aurilia nearly every day despite his obvious decline in production.

If they're just giving Kearns a day off because of his struggles and don't start Aurilia for at least another 4-5 days, I have no problem with this for tonight.......and tonight alone.

[butlerbulldogs]

good to see the cagey veteran (Aurillia) back in the lineup over Ears, his experience will make the difference in this game

[TC81190]

It's only a matter of time before putting Aurilia in the lineup everynight will cost Miley his job.

You would think so. But no.

[KronoRed]

Is anybody really surprised by this? You knew this day was coming, just fortunately, Lopez wasn't affected at all by this. It's only a matter of time before putting Aurilia in the lineup everynight will cost Miley his job.

Unless it's the one who signed Aurilia in the first place who is dictating him being in the lineup.

[WMR]

I wouldn't give Aurilia the nod over the bat boy, much less Austin Kearns

[WMR]

This is such a dumb managerial move,,, is Miley truly this stupid... obviously the answer is yes.

Wonder if he'll put WMP on the bench in favor of Rich Aurilia when he gets back????

FIRE MILEY

[Oxilon]

Unless it's the one who signed Aurilia in the first place who is dictating him being in the lineup.

Starting a sub-medoza line hitter with a stone glove over a potential franchise cornerstone outfielder and a potential All Star shortstop will result in losses. And when those losses build up, somebody has to be the scapegoat, and that person is Miley, IMO (when it should be DanO too).

[KronoRed]

Yes WMR..he will...expect Pena to be a PH for awhile when he returns.

[WMR]

oh hey Krono! Do you agree with that? It seems to me that once he finishes his rehab assignment he should be inserted immediately? Platooned w/ Kearns, I mean.

LOL, good thing that Rich told management he would only accept a one-game assignment! He knew how bad Miley needed him!!

[RedsFan75]

I just don't understand the fasicnation with Aurillia.....

[KronoRed]

I don't agree with it..Wily Mo and Kearns need to get every single at bat they can..putting either on the bench for Aurilia makes me crazy

[WMR]

Okay everybody, over/under for how many groundballs/line drives/plays etc. will be lost by Aurilia's lack of range at 2nd tonight? I'm betting over 2 & under 5

[Walkerforpres]

George Grande dropping some OBP numbers. I'm amazed.

[Walkerforpres]

Freel lines out softly to Biggio.

Lopez with a hard ground out to 1st. 2 down.

[Walkerforpres]

Casey singles. Grande informs me that this is now an 8-game streak for him.