Thursday, April 26, 2007

April 26: Pittsburgh: 0 Hits, 2951 Career Hits

By Chris Price

Craig Biggio sat out this afternoon's game against the Pirates, so he remains at 2951 career hits.

Oh, by the way, the Astros dropped their sixth game in a row, 5-3 to the Pirates.

They return home for the three game stand against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday.

Game time is 7:05pm.

April 25: Pittsburgh: 3 Hits, 2951 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

In a marathon 16 inning game, the Astros dropped their fifth game in a row 4-3 to the Pittsburgh Pirates

Craig Biggio had tremendous game, getting three hits on five at bats. His current batting average is .259.

He currently has 2951 career hits and is currently 29th on the all time list.

Biggio and the Astros will play the Pirates again tomorrow in the third game of the series.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

April 24: Pittsburgh: 2 Hits, 2948 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

The Astros and Craig Biggio are in Pittsburgh for a three game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

The Astros are coming off a real thumping, 11-4 by the Philadelphia Phillies last night while the Pirates defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-5 on Sunday at Chavez Ravine.

The Pirates have not won a home game as of yet in this young season. Biggio again leads off the Astros batting order.

1st inning: HIT (facing Paul Maholm LHP, 0-2, 5.60 ERA)
1: singles on a ground ball to lef fielder Jason Bay.

4th inning: HIT (still facing Maholm)
1: ball
2: called strike
3: foul
4: singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brad Eldred

6th inning: STRIKES OUT (still facing Maholm)
1: ball
2: ball
3: foul
4: called strike
5: ball
6: swinging strike

9th inning: GROUNDS OUT (still facing Maholm)
1: foul
2: ball
3: grounds outs on a throw from shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Biggio picked up two hits tonight to take his total to 2948.

Game two against Pittsburgh tomorrow night.

Monday, April 23, 2007

April 23: Philadelphia Phillies (Make Up Game): 1 Hit, 2946 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Tonight's game against the Philadelphia Phillies is the makeup game from the rain out on April 15.


Criag Biggio had one hit in the Astros 11-4 loss to the Phillies. His career hits total now stands at 2946

In a bit of a sidebar posting: Whenever the Astros play the Phillies in Philadelphia, my thoughts are always taken to Geno's Cheese Steaks.

Geno's is an institution in Philly. Some say Pat's King of Steaks is better and others proclaim their choice of the best as any one of the numerous cheese steak emporiums in the greater Philadelphia area.

But not me. In my humble opinion, Geno's tops the list. Good meat, great toppings, and exceptional service. A visit to Geno's is every loyal baseball fans dream.

Geno's and baseball in Philly. They go hand in hand. Visit their website
here.

Now, after that commercial interruption, back to Biggio!

H
e is back where he should be, leading off the batting order for the Astros. Below is his performance for tonight's game.

1st inning: HIT (facing pitcher Adam Eaton, RHP, 1-1, 7.06 ERA)
1. Home run on a line drive to left center field.

2nd inning: WALK (still facing Eaton)
1. called strike
2: called strike
3: ball
4: ball in dirt
5: ball
6: ball

5th inning: GROUNDED OUT (still facing Eaton)
1: ball
2: grounds out on a throw from shortstop Jimmy Rollins to first baseman Ryan Howard.


7th inning: STRIKES OUT (facing pitcher Geoff Geary, RHP, 0-1, 2.70 ERA)
1: swinging strike
2: ball
3: foul
4: ball
5: swinging strike

9th inning: GROUNDS OUT (facing Francisco Rosario, RHP, 0-1, 7.71 ERA)
1: foul
2: grounds into a force out, third baseman Was Helms to second baseman Chase Utley.



Sunday, April 22, 2007

April 22: Milwaukee: 0 Hits, 2945 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Craig Biggio took a rest at second base today in the Astros 5-4 loss to the Brewers.

He came in as a pinch hitter and did not get a hit.

He is holding at 2945 career hits.

Tomorrow is the makeup game against the Philadelphia Philles.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

April 21: Milwaukee: 0 Hits, 2945 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly
(posted at the right is a 1989 Upper Deck Craig Biggio rookie card)

Craig Biggio went 0 for 4 in the Astros 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.

He had four at bats, with one walk and two strike outs. His current batting average is .224.

He remains at 2945 career hits.

Biggio and the Astros will again face Milwaukee in the rubber game of this three game series.

Game time is 1:05pm Houston time.

Friday, April 20, 2007

April 20: Milwaukee: 1 Hits, 2945 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Biggio is back in the starting lineup and had, in my humble opinion, the best game for the season.

He had four at bats, one hit, two runs scored , four RBIs, and one grand slam home run.

YES, he hit a grand slam home run. His first since 1994.

He hit a big knock and turned the game around.

What a player! It is fun to watch him hit.

Number 2945 and and counting!!!

55 left to go.

Oh, by the way, the Astros won....again. They beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5.

It is now five wins in a row.

Biggio and the Astros just keep on rolling.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

April 19: Cincinnatti: 0 Hits, 2944 Career Total

By Chris Price

Biggio didn’t start tonight. He sat out and rested.

However, he batted in the 8th inning as a pinch hitter.


He got a walk and later scored.

Astros won 8-6. They have won four in a row.

April 18: Cincinnati: 0 hits, 2944 Career Hits

By Chris Price

I have been busy, so this post will be short.

Biggio was the leadoff hitter for the thirteenth game this season. He had five at bats, with no hits and two strikeouts.

The Astros won 7-2 over the Reds.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

April 17: Florida Marlins: 2 Hits, 2944 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Craig Biggio had two hits tonight in the Astros 6-1 victory over the Florida Marlins. They are currently 6-6 for the season.

He continues to be the lead-off batter for the Astros and looked good at the plate tonight.

Biggio's at-bat stats for tonight's game are as follows:

1st inning: (facing Sergio Mitre, RHP, 0-2, 3.97 ERA)
1: swinging strike
2: foul
3: foul
4: foul
5: ball
6: foul
7. strikes out swinging

3rd inning: HIT (facing Kevin Gregg, RHP, 0-1, 2.00 ERA)
1: foul
2: ball
3: swinging strike
4: singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham.

5th inning: (facing Jorge Julio, RHP, 0-1, 12.71 ERA)
1: hit by pitch.

NOTE: That was the 283rd time in his career that Biggio has been hit by a pitch.

For further information and a very interesting blog, visit the Plunk Biggio blog.

6th inning: (facing Renyel Pinto, LHP, 0-1, 2.70 ERA)
1: ball
2: called strike
3: swinging strike
4: grounds out on a throw from shortstop Hanley Ramirez to first baseman Mike Jacobs.

8th inning: HIT (facing Henry Owens, RHP, 0-0, 0.00 ERA)
1: ball
2: foul
3: ball
4: foul
5: ball
6: double on a fly ball to left fielder Josh Willingham.

NOTE: That was Biggio's 642nd double of his career.

Biggio and the Astros head for Cincinnati and a two game series on Wednesday and Thursday. Both games have a start
time of 6:10pm (Houston time).

Sunday, April 15, 2007

2007 Killer Bs Stats

By Chris Price

The 2007 Houston Astros Killer B's are Crain Biggio, Lance Berkman, and Chris Burke.

Their stats up to April 15 are as follows:

Craig Biggio-2nd Baseman
Games: 10
At Bats: 45
Runs: 5
Hits: 10
2B: 4
3B: 0
Homeruns: 1
Runs Batted In: 4
Total Bases: 17
Walks: 0
Strike Outs: 9
Stolen Bases: 0
On Base Percentage: .222
Slugging Percentage: .378
Batting Average: .222

Chris Burke-Outfielder
Games: 10
At Bats: 34
Runs: 1
Hits: 6
2B: 5
3B: 0
Homeruns: 0
Runs Batted In: 2
Total Bases: 11
Walks: 3
Strike Outs: 9
Stolen Bases: 3
On Base Percentage: .300
Slugging Percentage: .324
Batting Average: .176

Lance Berkman-1st baseman
Games: 10
At Bats: 32
Runs: 5
Hits: 6
2B: 0
3B: 0
Homeruns: 1
Runs Batted In: 3
Total Bases: 9
Walks: 8
Strike Outs: 12
Stolen Bases: 0
On Base Percentage: .349
Slugging Percentage: .281
Batting Average: .188


Those stats that are leading the Astros are in italics.

I will try to keep updates posted from time to time.

Craig Biggio Baseball Statistics

By Robert H. Kelly

While preparing my various posts and articles about Craig Biggio's march toward 3000 hits, I have come across some interesting statistics.

Through April 15, 2007, he leads all active ball players in:
Career hits: 2940
Career doubles: 641
Hits by pitches: 282

In career stats, he ranks:
2nd: hit by pitch
8th: doubles
17th: runs
25th: games
30th: hits
58th: base on balls
61st: stolen bases

Here is some other facts about Biggio:


1. He was an All American baseball player at Seton Hall University.

2. He was drafted by the Astros in the first round in 1987 (22nd overall).

3. He is the only player in Major League Baseball history with at least 600 doubles, 2900 hits, 250 homeruns, and 400 stolen bases.

4. He led the majors in runs scored in 1995 and 1997 and in doubles in 1998 and 1999.

5. Became one for the few players in baseball history not to hit into a single double play all season in 1997.

6. Tops the Astros career list in games played, at-bats, runs scored, hits, doubles, and
extra-base hits.

7. Holds the record for the most regular season game played before his first World Series
appearance with 2564.

8. In 1998 became the second player to have 50 stolen bases and 50 doubles in the same
season.

The following are a few bits of trivia concerning Craig Biggio:

1. Biggio is known as a "Killer B" a playful nickname given to Astros players with last names starting with the letter 'B'. The original 1996 Killer Bs included teammates Jeff Bagwell Derek Bell, and Sean Berry. More recent members include Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran, and Chris Burke.

2. Baseball statistician Bill James in the Revised Historical Abstract rated Biggio the 4th best second baseman of all time and the 35th best player of all time, making a detailed argument that throughout his career, Biggio has been a better player than Ken Griffey, Jr.

3. Biggio is noted for his superstitions. His chief superstition involves his batting helmet, which he does not change or clean throughout the entire season.

Biggio has had a career that has been only seen in players of the past. What makes him so remarkable id that all of the about and much more has been accomplished with the same team.

Loyalty is very important to me and a great number of other baseball fans. Biggio is a shining example of what baseball is, what is was int he past, and would it should be in the future.

April 16: Florida Marlins: 2 Hits, 2942 Career Hits

By Chris Price

Craig Biggio had two hit tonight in the Astros 4-3 win over the Florida Marlins.

His career hit total is now at 3942.

I do not have much commentary this evening. Look for a more complete analysis in future posts.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

April 15: Philadelphia Philles-RAIN OUT

By Chris Price

The Astros game with the Phillies today was rained out . It will be played on April 23 in Philadelphia.

The game was to be part of the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, a celebration throughout Major League Baseball. Robinson's memory was going to be honored by the entire Astros team by wearing his legendary No. 42 on their jerseys.

April 14: Philadelphia Philles: 1 Hit, 2940 Career Hits

By Chris Price

The Astros lost 8-5 to thee Philadelphia Phillies. Biggio was 1-5. He now has 2940 career hits.

He continued to bat first for the Astros. Today's performance is as follows:

1st at bat (top of the 1st): Flies out to left fielder Pat Burrell. (two picthes)

2nd at bat (top of the 3rd): HIT-Singles on a ground ball to center fielder Aaron Rowand (five pitches)

3rd at bat (top of the 5th): Grounds out on a throw from third baseman Abraham Nunez to first baseman Ryan Howard (four pitches).

4th at bat (top of the 7th): Grounds out on a throw from third baseman Abraham Nunez to first baseman Ryan Howard (6 pitches).

5th at bat (top of the 9th): Grounds into a double play, shortstop Jimmy Rollins to second baseman Chase Utley to first baseman Ryan Howard. (four pitches).

April 13: Philadelphia Philles: 1 Hit, 2939 Career Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Craig Biggio went 1 for 5 in the Astros' 9-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He led off the batting order for the eighth straight game.

His batting performance was as follows:

1st At Bat: Top of the first:
1. called strike
2. swinging strike
3. ball
4. foul
5. ball
6. ball
7. flies out to center field.

2nd At Bat: Top of the third:
1. grounds out on a throw from second baseman Chase Utley to first baseman Ryan Howard

3rd At Bat: Top of the fourth:
1. lines out to pitcher Jon Lieber

4th At Bat: Top of the sixth: HIT
1. ball
2. swinging strike
3. swinging strike
4. double on a ground ball to right field Shane Victorino

5th At Bat: Top of the eighth
1. ball
2. foul
3. ball
4. grounds into a force out, shortstop Jimmy Rollins to second baseman Chase Utley

Total today: 1 hit
Total to date (career): 2939 hits

Biggio has 9 hits in 9 games this season. At this rate, I predict he will get his 3000th hit on June 19, 2007 against the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California.


Hit next milestone on the career hits list is Frank Robinson, who has 2943 hits and is ranked 29th on the list.

Biggio's double in the 4th inning was the 641st of his career and ranks 8th on the all time doubles list, passing Honus Wagner (640). He currently leads all active ball players.

His next milestone on the doubles list is Carl Yastrzemski with 646.

The Astros have two more games against the Phillies, on Saturday and Sunday.

April 11: Chicago Cubs: SNOW OUT-GAME POSPONED

By Chris Price

The final game in this three game series against the Chicago Cubs was posponed due to snow.

Weather forcasters predict mow and the potential for more inclement weather through Thursday.

The Cubs, who lost the first two games of the series against the Astros, made the call to postpone the scheduled afternoon contest at about 9:30 a.m.

According to a press release sent out to the media, the game will be rescheduled for 7:05 p.m. on July 12.

This will take away the extra All-Star break day each teams had. Instead of having four days off for the All-Star break, both clubs now have three, like most other clubs.

April 10: Chicago Cubs-0 Hits, 2938 Career Hits

By Chris Price

Chaig Biggio had five chances at the plate today in the Houston Astros 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. He went hitless, but did score one run.

He had two strikeouts and was left on base twice. He current batting average is .229.

He continued to lead off the Astros batting order for the eighth straight game.

After today's game, he is holding at 2938 career hits.

Game time tomorrow against the Cubs is slated for 1:20pm CDT.

April 9: Chicago Cubs: 2 Hits, 2938 Total Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Biggio and the Astros travelled to the Windy City to face the Chicago Cubs in a three game series. All games are set for a 1:20pm CDT start in Chicago. This series will be the first road trip for the Astros.

The Astros defeated the Cubs 5-3, raising their record to 2-5.

It was snowing four hours prior to the first pitch, but the fact that this game was the home opener for the Cubs, one can expect the stands to be packed. Game time temperature was 39 degrees and was not expected to rise above the mid 40s

Biggio led off the Astros batting order for the seventh straight game. He faced pitcher Ted Lilly (1-0, 1.29 ERA).

1: double to left field, right down the foul line. HIT (Biggio scored on a double to center field by Chris Burke.)

Biggio was still facing Lilly in his second at bat of the game. He batted second in the top of the 3rd.

1: ball
2: swinging strike
3: foul
4: called strike

His third at bat was in the top of the 5th. Lilly was still on the mount.

1: doubles on a sharp ground ball to left field. HIT (He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Michael Barrett. He then scores on a Lance Berkman sacrifice fly).

In his fourth appearance, Biggio batted third in the top of the 7th. He faced right handed pitcher Mike Wuertz. He was out on a sacrifice bunt, advancing Humberto Quintero to 3rd and Woody Williams to 2nd.

1: thrown out on a sacrifice bunt.

His fifth at bat was batting sixth in the top of the 8th inning facing right handed pitcher Bob Howry. He grounded out on a throw from stortstop Cesar Izturis to first baseman Derrek Lee.

1: ball
2: called strike
3: ball
4: grounded out.

Today's hits: 2
Total hits to date: 2938



April 8: St. Louis Cardinals-0 Hits, 2936 Total Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Biggio and the Astros faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the final game of their three game series. Biggio has lead off the Astros batting order in all six games this season and is batting .273.

Biggio first at bat was in the bottom of the 1st inning. He faced pitcher Kip Wells, grounding out on the 5th pitch. Here are the pitches he took:
1: ball
2: ball
3: ball
4: called strike
5: grounded out on a throw from third baseman Scott Rolan to first baseman Albert Pujois.

NOTE: Houston Texan Mario Williams, President George Bush, and Barbara Bush were sitting in the stands behind the plate. The Bushes are big baseball fans; Bush played at Yale, while Barbara was the official scorekeeper.

Biggio second at bat was in the bottom of the 3rd. He was still facing Wells. He took four pitches. Here are the results.
1: called strike
2: foul
3: ball
4: struck out swinging

His third at bat was in the bottom of the 6th, batting second in the inning. Wells was still pitching, and Biggio faced five of his pitches.
1: missed bunt
2: ball
3: swinging strike
4: ball
5: struck out swinging


Biggio 4th and last bat of the game was leading off in the bottom of the 9th. He faced relief pitcher Josh Hancock.
1: called strike

2: ball
3: swinging strike
4: struck out swinging

The Astros lost the game 10-1 to the Cardinals and are now 1-5 for the season.

Biggio's hits today: 0 hits
Biggio's total career hits to date: 2936

NOTE 1: Today's attendance was 36,743. Not bad for Easter Sunday. The attendance has averaged 37,000 for the first six games.


NOTE 2: Brad Lidge pitched 2/3 of an inning in the top of the 9th giving up 5 runs off 3 hits with two walks. The game was already over by that time, but after his sub-par performance on opening day, manager Phil Garner may want to think about keeping Lidge as his reliever.

I will post some thoughts about this on the main TexSport Publications blog. Look there for my comments.

The Astros will travel to Chicago for a three games series against the Cubs on Monday-Wednesday, followed by a day off on Thursday.

They then face the Philadelphia Philles in another three games series before returning home on Monday, April 16 for two games against the Florida Marlins.

All the games against the Cubs will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net (television) and 740AM (radio).

Friday, April 6, 2007

April 7: St. Louis Cardinals-1 Hit, 2936 Total Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

The Astros won their first game of the 2007 season, defeating he St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 in the second game of a three game series. The Astros are now 1-4 for the season.

Craig Biggio got hit number 2936 of hit career on a ground rule double in the second inning.

Biggio lead off the first inning, popping out to first baseman Albert Pujois.

He took seven pitches.
1: ball
2: ball
3: called strike
4: foul
5: foul
6: pops out to Pujois

In his second at bat in the bottom of the 2nd inning, he got hit number 2936 of his career off a ground rule double, hitting the wall just below the home run line in deep center field.

He took three pitches.
1: ball
2: swinging strike
3: hit-ground rule double, 2 RBIs (Adam Everett and Brad Ausmus score)

His third at bat was in the bottom of the fifth inning. He flies out to center fielder Jim Edmonds.

He took five pitches.
1: ball
2: called strike
3: ball
4: ball
5: flies out

At bat number four was in the bottom of the seventh inning. He flies out to the second baseman Adam Kennedy.

He took three pitches.
1: ball
2: called strike
3: flies out to Kennedy

In the bottom of the eighth inning, he had his fifth at bat. he grounded out, third baseman Scott Rolan to first basemen Albert Pujois.

He took two pitches.
1: ball
2: grounded out, Scott to Pujois.


The Astros are now 1-4 for the season. They will face the Cardinals in the rubber game of the series on Sunday, April 8 (tomorrow).

Today: 1 hit
Total: 2936 hits

April 6: St. Louis Cardinals-1 Hit, 2935 Total Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Tonight the Houston Astros faced the St. Louis Cardinal in the first game of a three game series.
The Astros are coming off one day of rest.

In his first at bat of the game, Biggio leads off in the bottom of the 1st inning. He pops out to catcher Yadier Molina.

He took seven pitches:
1: called strike
2: foul
3: foul
4: foul:
5: ball
6: foul
7: pops out to Molina

His second at bat in the bottom of the 3rd inning, Biggio grounds out on a throw by pitcher Ryan Wainwright to 1st baseman Albert Pujois.

He took two pitches:
1: called strike
2: grounded out


In his third at bat in the bottom of the 5th inning, he singles on a ground ball to left field. He was later thrown out at 2nd on the first part of a double play by first baseman Albert Pujois to shortstop David Eckstein.

He took one pitch
1: singles on a ground ball to left field.

Biggio had his 4th at bat in the bottom of the 8th inning, facing pitcher Ryan Franklin. He grounded out on the first pitch on a throw from shortstop David Eckstein to first baseman Albert Pujois.

He took one pitch:
1: grounded out

The Astros lost 4-2, to the Cardinals. They are now 0-4 for the season


Hits tonight: 1 for 3
Total to date: 2935
.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

April 4: Pittsburgh Pirates-3 Hits, 2934 Total Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

Craig Biggio did better than the Astros in the third and final game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Biggio went 3 for 4, raising his career hits total to 2934, passing Willie Keeler, who is in 31st place with 2932 hits.

In game action, the Astros lost their third game against the Pirates by the score of 5-4.

On a personal note, I attended the game last night (Tuesday) with fellow TexSport Publications' photographer Darla Tamulitis.

The game was exciting and the Astros battled to the end, only to come up on the short end of the stick. It was enjoyable watching the game as a fan instead of a reporter.

However, the press box is a good bit better place to watch the game.

Biggio and the Astros will have a day off before they face the 2006 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals in a three game series.

Friday's game will be a Promotion Night with the first 10,000 fans receiving a Jeff Bagwell figurine. The promotion is sponsored by Minute Maid.

TODAY: 3 HITS
TOTAL TO DATE: 2934

Note: Pictured above is a 1909-1911 "Wee" Willie Keeler T206 White Borders tobacco card. It was distributed by the American Tobacco Company

April 3: Pittsburgh Pirates-No Hits, Total Hits: 2931

By Chris Price

Craig Biggio had no hits in the second game of the three games series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Astros lost 3-2, falling to 0-2 for the season.

Game three against the Pirates is tomorrow.

TODAY: 0 HITS
TOTAL TO DATE: 2931

Note: TexSport Publications' writer Robert H. Kelly and photographer Darla S. Tamulitis were in attendance at the game.

April 2: Pittsburgh Pirates- 1 Hit, 2931 Total Hits

By Robert H. Kelly

In the opening day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Biggio had 1 hit off of 4 at bats.

His total career hits now stands at 2931, passing Jake Beckly and Rogers Hornsby and taking sole possession of 31st place on the career hits list.
Hits today: 1-1 Hot
Total career hits: 2931

TexSport Publications' Craig Biggio "3000 Hits" Watch

TexSport Publications will keep a countdown of Houston Astros 2nd baseman Craig Biggio's quest for 3000 hits.

Writers Robert H. Kelly and Chris Price will post his game statistics, commentary, and other information leading up to this historic event.

He began the 2007 season with 2930 career hits. He is currently tied in 32nd place with Jake Beckley and Rogers Hornsby.

Check back periodically for updates and current information.

(posted above is a 1989 Donruss autographed Craig Biggio card.)