Hello all,

Here is show 41, a short diddy…

Show Notes:

• Astros talk, how much we sucks and why. What to do, how to fix things, etc.
• Major league all-star break, Lance Berkman in the homerun derby
• Lambo sneaks in a special message (and he thought I wouldn’t notice), thanks lambo!!
• End of show crap

Enjoy!

 

 Astrocast Show 41: We Suck and more! [23:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (200)

After watching Brandon Backe shut out the Nats last night, I started to think about his contributions to the team. There has been some criticism as far as his pitching after his injury. Even Lambo has made a mention that this 2008 Season should be the season where Backe needs to step up to the plate and prove himself - so to speak. I love Brandon Backe. I think he has the makings of being our #1 Starter after Oswalt leaves/retires.

Brandon made his Astros debut in 2004 being traded for Geoff Blum from Tampa Bay. His first game with us was against the Cubs where he limited them to four runs in eight innings. Needless to say Houston was excited about his performance. While his 2005 ERA was a below average 4.76, he opened our eyes to his stellar post season pitching.

In 2006 he had undergone Tommy John Surgery which didn’t leave an opportunity to show us the promise that he had. Pitching only 8 games with a 3-2 record, Backe ended his short season with a 3.77 ERA. 2007 was a funny year for us. It was Biggio’s last season, our club was starting to see some shifts in players. Hunter Pence made a strong entrance to the Astros. Backe was still recovering from his surgery and made a few unimpressive starts. However, Backe did finish his five games with a 3-1 record and another 3.77 ERA for the season. It is 2008. What has he done for us lately? Not much. He has given up 22 HR’s, has more Losses than Wins, and has brought his ERA back up to a 4.76. I believe Backe will have a stellar 2009 season. Everybody has a slump season. I think that slump season can be given to Backe and Roy for 2008.

Backe has shown us his potential last night as he has shown us his potential in the past. He has sat on the bench next to Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt, and Andy Pettite for a few years to learn from the Vets. This is his first season since the injury. And he is making a humble 800,000 dollars this year. Needless to say I haven’t even mentioned his bat yet. In 2007 he had 4 hits of his 10 at bats, right now he is hitting in the .300’s. This really helps us being a National League Team where we don’t have the luxury to cheat and have a DH. Let me also mention he is one of thirty-nine pitchers who have struck out three batters in nine pitches.

I say keep him around for a few more seasons. If Trader Wade wants to bulk up our pitching then we can always move him to the bull pen. He is a Texan and I’d hate to see him on another Non-Texas Team.

Now that Sabathia has been traded to the Brewers, I’ve pretty much given up on the 2008-09 Houston Astros. Why you ask? Everybody had hoped that this might be a World Series wild card team if every Astro lived up to their expectations we the fans had for them. While Bourne and Towles have not lived up to our high expectations, everybody on our offense has (not counting the injury prone Matsui). Unfortunately our pitching has not. Roy is not pitching like the old Roy, Chacon started great but had a bad month of June which led to his current situation, and Backe is Backe. Wandy is seems to be doing well but I don’t see how he can have the low ERA he has and have a record of 3-3. We have a weak bullpen and a closer who had a shaky beginning season. Then, when the pitching does comes together, our offense can’t produce the numbers they are capable of producing.

Like it or not, the Cubs are dominant with 7 all-stars this season. Yes they are playing over their heads but people said the same thing about the likes of Carlos Beltran and Morgan Ensberg in 2005 season. It’s these players that have a stellar one season career that creates a winning team. Now that the Brewers have thrown away their organization of tomorrow for this one season, they are going to be tough to beat. There was always a hope for the wild card for us but we can’t even make it past the Pirates. Meanwhile, we are fighting with the Reds not to be in last place.

There is a better hope! If you look at the Free Agent Market for 2009 here’s the pool - John Lackey (club option), Andy Pettitte, Jon Garland, Livan Hernandez, Pedro Martinez, Mike Mussina, Brad Penny (club option), Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez, Wolf, Burnett (player option), Sabathia, and Dempster. With our offense, these pitchers will give the Astros a strong consideration for next season. Meanwhile I suggest GM Wade spends a little more time overseeing our Minor League Organizations.