It WILL End...someday

The Astros losing streak reached a season high tying five with their 8-5 loss at the hands of the Astros Monday afternoon. But at least it took over five hours for it to happen. That, however, is not a good thing. It took that long because a 2:03 rain delay was stuffed inside the 3:04 game.

The Astros jumped into a 2-0 lead in the first when Lance (I love Cincinnati) Berkman crushed a two run homer which was his 21st at Great American Ballpark and 10th for this season for the Astros.

The lead did not last. Wandy Rodriguez had no luck...then no command in the bottom of the inning. Miguel Tejada dropped a back hand attempt on a ball hit by Willy Taveras for an error. Then Jerry Hairston beat out a bunt and suddenly Wandy faced Chris Dickerson with two on and no outs. At the point Wandy's lack of command became evident. He couldn't even get a fast ball over the plate. Dickerson walked and before the inning was over the Reds had scored five and led 5-2.

After the game Cecil Cooper said the defense which committed three errors and caused all eight Cincinnati runs to be un earned was the key to the loss. Yes, but as Larry Dierker liked to point out, pitchers have to overcome errors and bad luck. Wandy with his continuing lack of control could not.

Cooper didn't think Wandy used his curve ball enough. But I was eating dinner in an establisment that featured a "Reds Replay" and I watched carefully. He didn't throw many curves early, but the first one he did he hung to Jonny Gomes who singled up the middle to drive in the Reds first run. Later curves did not have the bite or were able to target the strike zone as in earlier starts. In other words, Wandy just didnt'have it. Simple as that.

While the Astros are making no comments another concern is the shabby defense at shortstop by Miguel Tejada. His error count for the season is at least half of what it should or could be. Lance Berkman has saved at minumum a half dozen bad throws. Other borderline plays have been ruled hits when more adept shortstops would have made the play.

The conumdrum in all this is that Miggy can still hit. He was one for four Monday which dropped him a bit, but a very good .345. So how about working him out at third base where mobility is not a requirement and replacing him at shortstop with either Jeff Keppinger or even Edwin Maysonet.

Something has to be done. There is little than can be done to improve the range and defense in left field. Carlos Lee's bat has to be in the game. But there ARE options for shortstop. The Astros have to seriously consider them.