It Only Counts as One

So, the Astros were drubbed by the Cubs Wednesday afternoon. It only counts as one loss whether its 2-1 or 12-0. It didn't make for entertaining baseball unless you were a Cub fan with a thirst for blood. But its over and done. The Astros try for a split in the series on Thursday afternoon with Russ Ortiz on the mound.

Everyone got out alive--we think. No additional DL listings. Only Mike Hampton's ERA goes for a ride. Lets face it. He was horrible. That can happen to any pitcher but Mike has had too many poor starts. Wednesday was just the crowning disaster.

Bud Norris made his debut and was good. He went three innings and allowed just one run on three hits while striking out four. He has great stuff and actually it was good for him to be able to debut in a non pressure situation. The Astros already trailed 9-0.

Since there was no indication the Astro offense was going to take part in the game there was little damage Norris would be working while a comeback was being mounted.

Do I sound frustrated? I am. But that is only for today's game. Tomorrow is a whole new ballgame if I can use a cliche. Once the game got into runaway mode the players were even to laugh at their predicament--with the exception of Hampton.

Rookie Norris was put in a tough situation taking post game questions. He had to be sure that everytime he said he was happy with his work he added that losing the game was the big thing. I don't know if he pulled it off. But even the vets in the clubhouse remember their first day in the big leagues and will give him some slack.

After the game when Coop was asked if three innings by Norris would make him unable to start on Sunday in necessary his answer was a short one. Roy Oswalt is still scheduled to pitch Sunday. (Norris could start if needed since it woud be three days between work instead of a starter's normal four.. but he only went three innings...and he is young.) Long time baseball fans remember the old four man rotations. So don't worry there. Hopefully he WON'T start because Oswalt can.

So, lets put this one to bed. Its over, fini, done. Just one loss. The Astros will try again tomorrow afternoon. Astros Live Pregame at 12:30 on FS Houston with gametime set for 1:20. In our additional pre game segment after the top of the hour I will be looking back at some great moments in Wrigley between the Astros and Cubs. My pregame interview hopefully will be with rookie Bud Norris.