Subject:

Tal Smith

  • Blogs

    May 22, 2012

    Is Minute Maid Park (Finally) Going To Lose Tal's Hill?

    There were basically two people who love Tal's Hill, the gimmicky hill in Minute Maid Park's centerfield, and one of them was named Tal. The other was former owner Drayton McLane, who installed the hill, which has no other reason for existence, because his buddy Tal Smith remembered some old ballpa ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 4, 2012

    The Astros Battle #MillsLogic

    It's hard not to get excited about the Houston Astros right now (well, not hard for those actually paying attention, and judging by the attendance, not many of you are). Sure the team has a losing record (11-14) and they're five games out of first place, but the team has won three straight and six o ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 17, 2012

    25 Positive Thoughts As The Astros Head off to Spring Training

    Jed Lowrie could be the Astros' best all-around shortstop since Dickie Thon, if he stays healthy​Spring training begins for Major League Baseball next week, and that means the Astros will be reporting to camp in Florida and prepping for the upcoming season -- yes, despite whatever happened las ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 3, 2012

    20 Modest Fan Suggestions for Jim Crane

    The word from on-high came earlier this week when the Houston Astros announced that Jim Crane had heard the voice of the fans and thus would not be changing the team's name. It's nice that Crane paid some attention to the people who buy tickets (though it does seem strange to see how many people co ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 24, 2012

    The Astros Lowering Ticket and Beer Prices, Maybe Changing Unis and the Name?

    I've written a lot of snark about Jim Crane in the months since he purchased the Astros. And let's be honest, I'll probably have a lot more snark in the days, months and years ahead. But let's be more honest, there's a lot that Crane has done with this team since assuming full control of the franc ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 23, 2011

    The Year In Astros Baseball: Thank God That's Over

    ​So let's continue our look back at the sporting year that was 2011 by taking a look at the Top 25 events to happen to the Houston Astros. 1. They finished with the worst record in team history, which was quite the accomplishment seeing as how the Astros were pretty damn bad for most of the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 29, 2011

    Comment of the Day: Don't Get Too Excited About the Astro Front-Office Firings

    We have some great commenters here on Hair Balls, and it's time we paid some damn attention to them. So we'll be highlighting a Comment of the Day each morning, from the previous day's work. Maybe two comments, even. This will all be determined by a highly rigorous scientific formula involving wit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 28, 2011

    Astros Fire Ed Wade & Tal Smith: The New Era Begins

    Where have you gone, Ed Wade? A nation's no-hit, aging, injury-prone free agent infielders turn their lonely eyes to you. Where have you gone, Ed Wade? A nation's worth of middle relievers looking for multimillion contracts turn their lonely eyes to you. Ed Wade is gone. So is Tal Smith. Jim C ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 19, 2011

    20 Ways the Astros Are Still Losing Even Though They're Not Playing

    Yep, Ed Wade's even a fool in the movies.​This past season was a painful one to watch and endure for Houston Astros fans. But even in the off-season the painful hits just keep on coming. 20. The owner of the Texas Rangers, Nolan Ryan, is getting plenty of airtime from Fox and TBS every nigh ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 14, 2011

    Astros To The American League: The Logical Argument To Stop The Move

    ​Ever since the Peter Gammons tweet on Wednesday about the Astros sale to be approved in November as well as the Astros being moved to the American League, there's been a firestorm of anger and panic emitting from what few Astros fans remain. Yesterday, one group even started an internet peti ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2011

    Is Drayton McLane Really the Best Astros Owner Ever?

    John McMullen, former Astros owner​Sometime this month the 29 MLB owners will approve the purchase of the Houston Astros by Jim Crane. Drayton McLane, the man selling the Astros, will be referred to as the greatest owner in Astros history. The man who turned the team into a winner. Who took ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 29, 2011

    25 Positive Statements About The Houston Astros

    I'm positive that the Astros would have been better off with these three guys in charge​As it hard as it might be to believe, there are some people, friends even, who think I'm being too negative toward the Astros. They'd like for me to say something positive, something that might, hopefully, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 30, 2011

    11 Modest Suggestions For Jim Crane

    ​After the Astros lose to the Chicago Cubs this afternoon, the 2011 MLB season will be one-thirds complete. And while it was expected the Astros would be bad, being the worst team in the National League was not expected -- an injury-depleted Minnesota Twins are the only thing keeping the Astr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 16, 2011

    The Drayton McLane Era -- Asking That One Question

    Plus: this. Minus: Tim Purpura​The end of the Drayton McLane Era as owner of the Astros is imminent. With today's announcement that local businessman Jim Crane's purchase of our hometown ball club, we can begin to evaluate the "Houston Astros, version McLane" in full. There are a handful o ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 13, 2011

    Astros Finally Sold, Or So It Appears

    ​Ding, dong, the wicked witch is dead. The Astros have, it appears, finally been sold. At least that's what Drayton McLane has told Mark Berman over at Fox 26. The papers are still being finalized, though it is hoped that the parties will sign off on the sale next week. McLane was not wil ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 26, 2011

    Hunter Pence vs Astros -- The Case for Both Sides

    No one runs like Hunter Pence​"I wasn't able to agree with the #Astros on my contract so we will be going to arbitration. I still love y'all and can't wait for the season!" -- Hunter Pence on Twitter last night On the same day that the Astros announced they were able to get a three-year deal ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 4, 2010

    Was Roy O The Best Pitcher In Astros History? No

    Wasn't this guy, either​The talk of greatest Astros pitcher ever was part of the discussion when Roy Oswalt was traded last week. And it seemed that most of the Houston media were in agreement that Oswalt was, indeed, the greatest pitcher in Astros history. But as much of a Roy Oswalt fan as I am, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2010

    Lance Berkman & Roy O: Don't Retire Their Numbers, Drayton

    JR Richard: Here's one number that should be retired​With the trades of Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman last week, the talk has started about whether the Astros should consider retiring their numbers once they retire. Now as much as I like to the honor the history of baseball and some of the great te ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 19, 2010

    Carlos Lee Goes AWOL: At Least Someone Noticed

    Carlos Lee: Bats right, throws right, jogs all the time​So the Astros were upset that Carlos Lee missed a voluntary workout in Pittsburgh on Thursday, and as a result, he was benched on Friday night.The puzzling thing is trying to figure out just why it is the Astros were upset. The workout ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 14, 2010

    George Steinbrenner: One More Eulogy

    Raise a calzone and pour out a 40 for The (Other) Boss​I hate the New York Yankees. I hate that they win all of the time. And I hate that everything that happens in baseball seems to revolve around the Yankees. I hate that the team has its own network. And that the Yankees have a seemingly endless ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 8, 2010

    Ed Wade: This Team Is Yours (Unfortunately)

    He's no Gerry Hunsicker​I know that Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade has some defenders in the city. They say we can't judge Wade, supposedly, because he's hamstrung by contracts that were given out before he arrived. We can't judge Wade because, supposedly, he's still putting his blueprint ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 15, 2010

    Are The Astros Worth What Drayton Is Asking?

    Photo by verndogs​So Drayton McLane has made it known that he's really, really willing to sell the Houston Astros. And as his price, he's asking for $650 million.I'm sure the potential buyers are putting every aspect of Drayton's baseball empire under the microscope, but I thought I would pr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 12, 2009

    The Astros Have Themselves A Gold-Glove Centerfielder

    ​Congratulations are in order for Michael Bourn. Yesterday, he became the first Astros outfielder since Cesar Cedeno in 1976 to win the Gold Glove. And anybody who has seen Bourn roam the vast Minute Maid Park centerfield knows that the award is well deserved.It's kind of amazing when you think a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 29, 2009

    Game Time: Brad Mills Shows Bald Is Beautiful

    ​The biggest story locally this week has probably been the Astros hiring of Brad Mills. While some see it as the dawning of a new era for the Astros, I for one am sad to see the pageant that was Star Search 2009 end.So many memories...watching Drayton and Tal parade all ten candidates around...hea ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 27, 2009

    Our Condolences To New Astro Manager Brad Mills

    ​Let me be the first to offer my condolences to Brad Mills. Now I'm sure Mills doesn't think he needs my condolences. After all, he just achieved his dream, which is becoming the manager of a major league baseball team.But that team is the Houston Astros.Mills, who accepted the job today, was ac ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 16, 2009

    With Drayton, Astros' Manager Search Is Sure To Suck

    ​For some reason, Astros fans appear to be more concerned about the transfer of Jose Cruz from one useless job to another useless job than they care about whether the team actually gets a decent manager. Believe it or not, the manager of a team is far more important to the team's success than Jose ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 15, 2009

    The (Alleged) Tragedy Of How The Astros Are Treating Jose Cruz

    ​So Jose Cruz is no longer the first-base coach of the Houston Astros. Now can someone please tell me why everybody is so upset? Seriously, what's the big deal?The guy was the first-base coach. His job consisted of patting Lance Berkman on the ass and showing the pitchers where second base was loc ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 10, 2009

    There's An Opening In Quality Control At The Astros, We Have To Assume

    ​I've read that there are companies out there that employ people who do nothing but Quality Control. These people are supposed to make sure that the best product comes out while catching the errors. I'm not sure if Drayton McLane has such a person working for the Astros, but if he does, that pe ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 17, 2009

    Oh, The Changes I'd Make To The Astros

    Photo by Aaron M. SprecherIf Ed Wade were gone...​The Astros Fan Blogger at Chron.com had an interesting post  late last week.The gist of the post was that Drayton McLane had just fired Ed Wade and that he'd made the reader the general manager, then he wanted to know the first five things one ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 1, 2009

    Who's Leaving First: Ed Wade, Cecil Cooper or Roy Oswalt?

    The Astros were able to actually win a series this weekend, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in two of three games. And the good news is that they should be able to win a couple of games this week as their next four games are against the Colorado Rockies, another losing team, like the Astros, but on ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 27, 2009

    10 Ways Miguel Tejada Can Do His Public Service

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 27, 2009

    10 Ways Miguel Tejada Can Do His Public Service

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 19, 2008

    Astros-Brewers: Corey Hart Still Looking Good

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 4, 2008

    Astros-Mets: Houston Sweeps New York

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 25, 2008

    Jose de Jesus Ortiz Gives Up on the Astros Season

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 23, 2008

    Astros-Pirates: The Battle for Last Place Continues

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 18, 2008

    Is Tal Smith Incompetent or Is This Some Kind of Parallel Universe?

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 29, 2008

    Losing Nolan Ryan. Again.

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 19, 2007

    John Royal's Top Twenty Sports Moments of 2007, Part Two

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 2, 2007

    John Royal's Astros Recap. In Song.

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 18, 2007

    New General Manager for the Astros to Be Hired Tonight? Time to Pray.

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 10, 2007

    Astros Recap

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 6, 2007

    You. Can't. Be. Serious.

    To: Drayton McLane From: Pam Gardner Cc: Ed Wade, Tal Smith, Cecil Cooper Re: Miguel Tejada's Community Service _____________________________________________ Mr. McLane: As you are no doubt aware, the team yesterday agreed to help Miguel Tejada, shortstop, fulfill the 100 hours of communit ... More >>

  • News

    September 6, 2007

    Mail Call

    Buh-Bye, Garner; Nice Work?; Union Station

  • Blogs

    August 28, 2007

    Sure, Phil Garner and Tim Purpura Are Out, and Cecil Cooper and Tal Smith Are In, But None of That Matters So Long As Drayton McLane Is Still Around…

    Buh-Bye, Garner; Nice Work?; Union Station

  • Blogs

    August 27, 2007

    Re: Astros Fire Phil Garner and Tim Purpura

    Buh-Bye, Garner; Nice Work?; Union Station

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2007

    Why John McMullen, Not Drayton McLane, Is the Best Owner in the History of the Astros

    Buh-Bye, Garner; Nice Work?; Union Station

  • News

    July 8, 2004

    Center of Gravity?

    Tal's Hill at Minute Maid takes on an uprising

  • News

    July 8, 2004

    Love the Big Bang

    Sure, an LNG terminal is dangerous. Live with it.

  • News

    May 11, 1995

    Born to Win ... or Lose?

    Can Drayton McLane bring Houston a World Series champion on a budget? Can Houston support major-league baseball to Drayton McLane's satisfaction? It's time to find out.

  • More >>
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