Okay…

We had a chance this week to get back into the National League Central Race. A three game series with the Brewers and by winning the series could have placed the Astros within striking distance. Instead of sweeping them, we got swept!

The last three years, the Astros have made unbelievable runs during the second half of the season. Two times, we made the playoffs and missed them one season by only one game. Can we count on our second half surge again? I doubt we can since we don’t have the pitching we once had.

I do have a confession…

When I threw the towel in and gave up on the Astros, they seemed to come alive and go on their historic runs. 34-10 anyone? So, it is official… Lambo is throwing the towel in! I am giving up on the 2007 Astros. We need to start looking towards the future of the club.

On the field, I think we can depend on Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee. I am also betting that Hunter Pence will not fall sway to the sophomore jinx. The kid just has “Superstar” written all over him. I know some of you will groan when I say the following, but I am cool with Everett at shortstop. His glove is just too good.

So what about catcher, third base, and right field? I know Brad Ausmus is hitting better, but he isn’t the defensive player he once was. He still handles the pitching staff brilliantly, but he has lost once great arm. I don’t think we can depend on Morgan Ensberg or Luke Scott either. There currently isn’t anyone in triple or double A ready to take those positions.

In those three postions, I feel we need to find one more stud, and at the other positions, two above average players.

Also, once Craig Biggio breaks the record, Chris Burke needs to play second everyday. We need to know if he is our future second baseman or not, and we need to know this season. If not, we have to also find everyday second baseman. Loretta is very capable, but he will be a year older.

Outside of Roy O, we have questions at almost every pitching spot. Lidge was a basket case earlier in the season, seemed to get his head on straight, and we had the Lidge of old, but goes on the DL. The rest of the bullpen seem to have a memory leak, not knowing what a strike zone is. I think we need to hand them the baseball rulebook where it describes the strike zone.

We have been getting good performances from the starting pitching for the most part. However, we really don’t have that true number two starter. I don’t think Jason Jennings is the answer. (Rumors suggesting that Jennings will be looking at the best money, and we know how Uncle Drayton is with the purse. However, can Jennings stay healthy?) I like Sampson, but he strikes me like a number 3 guy. If you expected Woody Williams to be better than a number four starter, then you are mistaken. Troy Patton anyone?

Okay, since I threw the towel in, I expect to see the second half surge.

Craig Nearing 3000

I know during the podcasts and even in this article, I have been critical of Craig Biggio. Please, don’t get me wrong, I am a Biggio fan. Yes, I want him to get his historic hit, and here at Minute Maid Park. However, if Craig started the season at 2800 hits, would he be getting the same playing time?

However, also, does it really matter? If Craig was hitting like he was back in 1998, would our record be different? Hate to admit it, but probably not, so what! Sure, Craig, get the big hit! God knows we something to celebrate in this town.

Rice Owls
I just wanted to take a moment and give a shout out to the Rice Owls. Yes, they lost at the College World Series, but making it is still an accomplishment. Kudos to Coach Wayne Graham and the rest of the Owls. I raise my glass to ya!

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