Astros Bounce Back!

After a horrible 1-5 start, the Astros bounced back going 6-1 and now we are only a 1/2 game out of first place. I guess the secret of success in the National League Central, if you are struggling, play the Cubs.

All six teams in the NL Central are within three games of each other. I think this is prelude to what is to come in this division. I still think the Cards, Brewers, Reds, and our Astros will end as the winner. The Pirates will not be a door mat, because they could easily play spoiler to one of these four towards the end.

Just a few quick observations:

The irony of Roy O pitched a brilliant game on opening day, and didn’t earn the win, but he struggled against the Phillies and earned a win in that game. I think this an example how Wins isn’t a reliable stat. Also, I need to point out, he pitched brilliantly again on three days rest against the Marlins for the win. I still think he is the best pitcher that ESPN doesn’t ever mention. If he stays healthy, he should be among the Cy Young candidates.

Woody Williams has been a disappointment thus far. He is 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA. I was nervous about this signing. On the surface, I didn’t have a problem with it. I just wasn’t sure about him being our rotations number 3 starter.

The surprise so far has to be Chris Sampson who is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA. He just seems to get people out without getting frustrated. His performance against the Reds last night was very impressive. The Reds has one of the better lineups and they did knock two homeruns off of Sampson. However, Sampson didn’t get rattled and battled back silenced Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey. I always felt a good indicator of a pitcher is to see how they react after allowing a homerun.

Last year, most Astros fans wanted to run Jason Lane out of town. I think so far this year we are seeing why the Astros’ Brass didn’t want to give up on Lane. He has two 3-Run homeruns, and has 8 RBIs in limited play. I really like Garner’s lineup last night with Lee, Scott, and Lane in the outfield.

So far, both Everett and Ausmus are hitting in the 260s. If they maintain this over the season, this team will score a lot of runs.

Brad Lidge being removed so quickly surprised me because I thought Phil would give him the first month. I guess the 1-5 start caused the brass to rethink things.

Lance Berkman hasn’t found his grove, but I have faith, and I am member of the Church of the Big Puma. (BTW….Sketkar is the High Priest. If you want to join, donations are welcomed, email.. sketkar@astrocast.net)

Morgan Ensberg isn’t killing the ball, but he seems to be doing well in the clutch since the Cubs series. Again, see earlier note, if you are stuggling, play the Cubs.

Jason Jennings has pitched like a number two starter, but let’s hope he recovers from this injury quickly. We are going to need his arm.

Last point, anyone thinking we paid Carlos Lee too much? He has shown us he is a force and the combination of him and Berkman are going to be deadly as the season continues.

PODCAST NOTES…..

Sorry, due to technical difficulties, we couldn’t get a show up last week. I would thought Sketkar’s mother taught him to use protection while dealing with a very slutty hard drive. Don’t worry, Sketkar is safe, he has had his shots in the meantime. (Don’t ask how many, and where!) We are going to record a new one this weekend, and it should be up next week.

Lambo