This has kind of been a typical Astros start, at least compared to the last few years. They get off to a slow start and sort of hang back just on the edge of contention. Then they storm back in the second half and make a run at the division or the Wild Card. Last year they fell short and this year, I don’t even see it coming because the Astros just don’t seem to have the horses. I’m not saying we should sell the farm yet, but if we’re ten back at the break, then it might be time to be sellers rather then buyers.
Craig Biggio is eight hits away from 3,000 although he’s kind of been part of the problem. With a .660 OPS, he’s been an anchor in the lineup and you wonder how much this 3,000 hit thing is a distraction. I know Biggio should be given his due because he’s done a ton for the team but once 3,000 hits comes and goes, it might be time to start looking at other options at second base. Oddly, he’s gotten his share of doubles and he’s actually on pace for another 40 double season if they stick with him through the rest of the season.
Carlos Lee has lived up to his contract, but without the Astros in contention, it’s hard to justify that price tag. He’ll probably get the nod in the All Star game although Roy Oswalt is definitely deserving as well.
And what about Hunter Pence. His strikeout to walk ratio portends a drop off soon but he’s sporting a .351 batting average and a .971 OPS. This kid is definitely a keeper and with Lee out there as well, you have to guys to begin building around going forward.
The Astros sit ten games back of the Brewers and ten games below .500. Right now, nobody in the division is making waves but the Astros are almost as close to the Reds in last place as they are of pushing up to the top of the second tier in the division. They do have a three game set with the pretty poor Rangers so maybe they can use this to make a push and I’m wrong about the Astros not contending this year.
Wandy Rodriguez, despite the 4-6 record, has been another story this year. He sports an impressive 73/19 strikeout to walk ratio and I’d put him as the Astros second best starter. He’s just been pretty erratic. He’s either on, or off and when he’s off, there’s nothing the offense can do to help out. Still, if he keeps up those rock solid numbers into the second half he could turn that record around.
It’s the disappointing Woody Williams throwing against Jamey Wright in the opener tomorrow. This one could go either way and it’ll depend on who’s bats get hot. I like all of the matchups in this series so though so I like our chances.
