Here We Go Again

The Astros have quietly begun their annual journey from the cellar to contention in a weak NL Central division. Most years the Astros begin the season by digging themselves into a hole and spend the rest of the season digging almost, but not quite, all the way out. They alternate that with a strong start which fizzles in June and ends in mediocrity. Either way the result is the same. Drayton McClain gets his seats filled, the team gives the fans something to cheer about and nothing changes.

This year the charge is being led by the strong pitching of Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriquez. Oswalt is the best pitcher most casual fans have never heard of and whose name they mispronounce. Wandy has quietly become a top of the rotation pitcher. Unfortunately, after that we have the following: Mike Hampton acquired from the infirmary in what is typical Astros acquisition strategy, i.e. get a guy late in his career cheap and see if he can still play. The answer is usually no but the pattern is well established. Hampton, who left Houston ten years ago to chase dollars in New York, Colorado (it was a lifestyle issue, he said) and Atlanta had his last really good year in 2003.

He is joined in the rotation by Brian Moehler, acquired from the senior citizens center, whose rookie year was the same year the NL last won the All Star game (hint: 1996). Moehler, with a career ERA of 4.75 does a decent job if you like lots of hits and runs. And finally there is Russ Ortiz whose last winning season was 2004.

So the Astros travel to LA to start the second half and beat up on the Dodgers in the first two games of the series with Wandy and Roy pitching. Next up Hampton and Ortiz. Let's see how it goes.