Two One Run Games

The Astros have played the Cardinals tight. Not only in the most recent pair of one-run losses, but all season. But they have also lost 7 of 11 games. That is why the Cardinals have been able to extend their lead in the NL Central and push the Astros to the fringe of the picture. They are better. Simple as that.

All of us home the home town guys can close the gap and ge a real contender for the NL Central top spot in 2010. A lot has already been said about how much will have to be done for that to happen. It is, however, far from impossible.

Hard as it may seem to believe, the Cardinals themselves have had two down years going into 2009 and figured to be in the same position when the season began.

They had no third baseman with Troy Glaus injured. They had moved an outfielder to play second base. They had a new shortstop in Khalil Greene (who early on got hurt.) Two of their starters had not been major players for years. Chris Carpenter had been trying to come back from injuries since the 2006 season. Joel Piniero had not won in double figures since 2003 with Seattle. Their closer?

There were a TON of questions about the Cards. The pitchers came together. Additional aide in Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday and Julio Lugo were recruited to help the offense. Players who they HOPED would be big--and weren't- like Greene and Ankiel were covered by the development of Colby Rasmus and Brandon Ryan. Viola! Not only a contender, but not a club heading for a runaway division title and a lot of respect when the post season rolls around.

That much change can happen. It can happen with a team like the Houston Astros, too. The perceived weakness in the higher levels of the Astro farm system will make it tougher. There are no Rasmus or Ryan types on the cusp. Ed Wade will have his hands full.

BLUM SITUATION
As I write this I do not have full knowledge of why Geoff Blum was in the orignal lineup then it was changed. It was assumed that his balky knee required him to be scratched. However, I ran into him at the elevator of the hotel after the game and asked how he was. His reply: "Not good." I asked, "Is it the knee?" He answered with a very serious and almost concerned look that it was not the knee. I asked if it would keep him out awhile. He said it would. However, he never said what would be keeping him out of action. Since he did not volunteer I did not pursue it. He obviously was not of a mind to talk any further. There will be more news on this mysterious situation.

FINAL GAME OF SERIES
Remember Thursday is a day game. Pre game airtime on FS Houston is 12:30 with the first pitch at 1:15. Then it is off to Phoenix for three more games in this nine game trip. Brian Moehler meets Chris Carpenter on Thursday. I know what that looks like. But tune in. Those "sure bets" on paper often do not happen.