Phils Are In with Lesson for Astros

The Philadelphia Phillies who won last year's World Series will have a chance to start the journey toward defending it in the post season. Their win over the Astros made it a fun clinching even if the pressure wasn't on with a big lead late and the Marlins leading the Braves all night as well.



That didn't keep the full house crowd (the 38th straight and 69th sellout of the season) from celebrating anyway. And Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel showed major league big time class when he called on Brad Lidge to get the final out of the game. Lidge has had a horrible season in large measure due to a balky and swollen knee and an elbow that may be harboring bone chips. He likely won't be a key man in the post season. But Charlie and the Phillie fans have not forgotten what Lidge meant to the 2008 World Champs. He gave Brad the stage for the clincher.



Now, for the Phillies the real hard work begins. They have to solidify their back end of the bullpen. They need to do it in games that still count in a way as teams jockey for higher seeds and home field advantages in the early rounds. That is not as important in baseball as in other sports--just don't tell the business people that. They want as many home games as possible.



The Phils announced mid game Wednesday they will be without veteran Jamie Moyer for the post season. He has a groin injury that will require surgery. The veteran lefty will be missed. There is no question the Phillies have the offense to cause any opponent problems. Do they have the top to bottom pitching? That may be what stymies their attempt to be the first NL team to win back to back World Series since the Reds of 1975-76.



What about the Astros? They may not be in the Phillies class for awhile, but there are some nice signs that it may not take too long. J.R. Towles advice from Dave Clark may be registering. He has been much more aggressive at the plate the last few games. The hits have been coming. And his two home run game Wednesday was the first of the major league career. Towles had looked so overmatched at the plate with the Astros since April 2008 that some were losing hope. Not Clark who remembered what he had seen managing Towles in the Astro system. J.R. has hit there. If he can do the same in Houston he may make it yet. And with Jason Castro coming on that could wind up being a better than average backstop pair in a year or two.



If Manzella is at shortstop defense will be stronger. If Lance bounces back the run scoring should be better. Pence, Bourn, Lee... all offensive and in a couple cases defensive positives. In a perfect world Miguel Tejada would re-sign for a reasonable rate and become the teams 2010 third baseman while Chris Johnson gets another year of development at Round Rock.

That would be nice, but still maybe not enough since the Cards, Cubs, Brewers and Reds may be more balanced at this moment. So much of the success of the Astros in 2010 depends on what the other teams are doing. If a club can make its pitching dominant a lot of other areas are less of a problem all of a sudden. That is exactly what Ed Wade hopes to do.

The Astros won't be out homering the Phillies anytime soon. But they can be in the same class with some tweaks, acquisitions and luck. Isn't that what makes the difference for some teams every year?



It all goes back to pitching....for the Phillies in the post season 2009 and the Astros in 2010. Stay tuned... The Astros have a lot more time to improve their staff. The Phillies need to have theirs in top shape now!

Phils Closer, but This is Still Fun

Maybe its because I've been a baseball guy since I played in my first game at age nine and have never fogotten the first ground ball hit to me that I fielded and ran over and stomped on first base to record my first out.. or the opposite field double I hit for my first ever base hit in Little League. But this game of baseball is something I truly enjoy continuing being a part of.

Its not hard here in Philadelphia because the crowds are large and vocal and the home team is on the verge of getting a chance to defend their world title. Oh, for the Astros to someday be in that spot! Even though the 2009 Astros are not championship material it is fun watching them go head to head with one of the best in the NL and hold their own.

Sure, they lost to the Phillies 7-4 on Tuesday. But they scored some runs. The were in the game even though they fell short. One pitch was the difference--the misplaced first pitch slider to Raul Ibanez that resulted in a grand slam homer. Other than that it was anyone's game.

To a lot of folks if you aren't winning the big one...or a real strong contender for it your season is no good. Who started that? That is wrong. The object is to win and play well when you don't,but ONLY being satisfied with ultimate victory isn't needed ....or shouldn't be. The GAME is fun. That doesn't only apply to my number one either. No Texan fans should be jumping off buildings just because the 2009 edition may not make it to the throne room either...or Rocket fans or ANY fans.

I am especially amazed by people who buy tickets to whatever game and then dont bother to use them. Must be nice to have money to burn or waste. Most people don't. Does a teams success have to correlate to personal self esteem? If that were the case no one would ever paint their faces in team colors or wear wild animal costumes to games. THATS a challenge to self esteem!

I am now stepping off my soap box because human nature being what it is...my words will have no effect. I am simply one sports fan who thinks the playing the game and the analysis of the hows and whys is more interesting than ONLY who won or not.

Winning is SO Much Fun

The game meant little or nothing to the Houston Astros franchise as a whole. The club will no win a pennant or wild card. It won't even finish .500 and may wind up fifth in the six team National League Central Division.

Still, you can't beat playing well and winning. Its just so much fun. And its even more fun when you are able to postpone the clinching of a pennant by your opponent by beating them.

The Astros did that last week when the Cardinals couldn't clinch the NL Central in Houston. Now they are postponing the Phillies fun.

By winning 8-2 on Monday while the Atlanta Braves were also winning the magic number for the defending World Champion Phillies to clinch the NL Eastern title remained stuck on three. They still could win the pennant during the Astros watch since this series has three games to play. But in Phillie some fans are getting nervous. There is talk of 1964. There was nothing worse in Philadelphia baseball history than 1964. That was when the Phils blew a six and a half game lead with only ten to play. Their situation now is statistically more dire. Their lead has shrunk to four with six to play. Furthermore the Braves have a very weak finishing schedule and are playing well. The Phillies have three more with a team they can't beat-- the Houston Astros--then have to meet the Florida Marlins. All their games are at home so there is no reason the Phillies won't clinch soon. But until they do the memories of '64 won't be forgotten.

Getting back to the Astros win on Monday... Miguel Tejada did it again. He was four for five climbing closer and closer to 200 hits and pushing his batting average back to about .310. Miggy loves to play this game. In a perfect world for the Astros maybe he WOULD be next year's third baseman. He is hitting so well and not wearing down that his price may be too steep because their most likely will be other clubs who would like to have a guy like Miggy.

He certainly isn't perfect. His lack of range at shortstop has hurt at times. His penchant for hitting into double plays has also been a problem. The positives, however, have out weighed the negative. Losing his bat will be felt heavily in 2010 if he is elsewhere.

All of the "next year" talk is for others to worry about and fans to speculate about. The present still exists for six more games. There is excitement in Philadelphia. They will be going to baseball's version of the big dance again. Houston won't. Yet, the Astros know how to beat the defending World Champs. That's got to count for something.

FS HOUSTON POLLS
Every game for the rest of the season we are asking fans to vote on Facebook.com/FOXSportsHouston on the best Astros at various positions. So far, Nolan Ryan has received the starting pitching nod, BillyWagner has been dubbed the best closer and Adam Everett the top shortstop. Be sure to add your vote to the totals when we move around the infield, outfield and manager. All coming up in the next few days during our telecasts.

Home Season Done...Texans Season???

The Astros entertained the fans who watched them close the home season with a 3-2 win over the Reds on Sunday. The game meant virtually nothing except Miggy Tejada was able to tack another double on this NL leading total...and his hit pushed that count to 187 with seven games to play.

Other than that--and Wandy Rodriguez picking up his 14th victory there was nothing on the line.

Meanwhile a few miles away at Reliant Stadium there was a lot on the line and the Texans couldnt cross it. They may have shown for sure what they are in their 31-24 loss to up to then winless Jacksonville. As feared they club has very poor defense and only one half of an effective offense. That won't work. Of course, they had a chance to at least salvage and tie and take their chances in overtime except they lost a TDon an offensive pass interference call and then fumble away a chance to make up for it. That was the ballgame.

The Astros showed signs of fumbling away the season way back in spring training in those games that don't count when they couldn't buy a win. That was perhaps an omen. Just as the Texans lack of running game or solid defense showed itself in the exhibition (uh, pre-season) games.

For the Astros this season is over... it will be seven games in Philly and New York to end it. The Phils may clinch and celebrate during the four game set. The Mets aren't going anywhere like the Astros so there may be some leg room at new CitiField for any Astro fans making that trip.

For the Texans the season certainly isnt' over. However, it could be earlier than desired if they can't figure out how to defend...and how to run enough to make the passing game proud. No one is proud right now...either at MMP or at Reliant Park.

Maybe the Rockets....oh yeah, I almost forgot.

Its Been a Long Time

Back in the late 1980s and into the 1990s the Houston Cougar football team was one of the most explosive and powerful teams in the country. They even reached the #1 ranking in the land before being humbled in a loss at Miami. That, and some questionable methods by head coach John Jenkins' staff ultimately led to probation...no live TV... and helped contribute to a lack of interest by the soon to be formed Big 12 toward extending an invitation to the league. I had a chance to do the play by play for a number of Cougar tape delayed telecasts in those days. Jack Pardee's and later John Jenkins' Run 'n Shoot offense made for wild excititing times. Some big wins resulted, too. With Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware and David Klingler leading the way, the Cougars picked up big and one sided wins over Texas on at least three occasions and had the number on just about everyone in the old Southwest Conference except the famed Texas A&M Wrecking Crew. The Aggies were the class of the league and their defense just gave the Cougars fits.

How things have changed. It has been years since the Aggies have been a factor in their league. The Cougars only started to turn the corner about three years ago.

For Houston it sure was great for awhile back in the day.

Playing in the Astrodome in those days Houston Cougar football would often have crowds in the high 30,000-to 40,000 range. But when the trouble started and a parade of coaches began a move back to the campus made a lot of sense. Not only would it be less expensive for the school to play home games at home, but Robertson Stadium had more than enough in capacity.

Saturday night's win was perfectly situated in a stadium that for once was too small. Crammed to over 32,000 wild fans decked out in red (some were Tech fans admittedly since red is one of their predominant colors too) the atmosphere--as I am told and have heard-- was red-hot!

Seeing the game left fans with many memories. There were superb defensive stops. There were great passes and receptions and some strong runs. There also were just enough mistakes to bring groans. All of this added to a game for the ages at Robertson.

With the win the Cougars now have to "hold service" in Conference USA. They are capable, but they are also human and losing somewhere on the road is certainly not out of the question. Remember, Houston is now the hunted and not the hunter. They are ranked and won't be playing any more teams will bigger names or leagues. It is not humanly possible to sustain the emotion and concentration over a full season to the level it was shown vs Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. What the Cougars have shown, however, is the talent that exists in the Kevin Sumlin directed program. And that there is a lot of heart with the players wearing the bright red jerseys.

OTHER STUFF
The Rice Owls were not so fortunate in their much less attended game at Rice Stadium. Vanderbilt took their measure. The fact the Owls are off to a rough start should be no surprise. A lot of talent departed after last season's superb team finished. The staff will get them back to respectability soon...perhaps as soon as C-USA play begins.

AND THE ASTROS
Playing out the string. There is no uglier sentence in sports. Unfortunately, that is what I seem to be witnessing every night these days. The pitching has put the club in holes that even if all hitters were concentrating all the time would be hard to dig out of. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot on concentrating going on. First hittable pitch? That's what is being attacked too often. Situations or what the hurler on the mound has been doing? Ah, forget it.

There is one notable exception and that is Miguel Tejada. You know, the player lots of fans and sports reporters want benched so rookie Tommy Manzella can get some starts. All Tejada did last night was go 4-4 with a homer. He leads the NL in doubles and now has 186 hits on a quest for 200. Personally, I'd rather see that than someone who won't hit nearly that well and may have plenty of time at shortstop next spring and season. Tejada's finish is certainly going to make him "free agent interesting" for more money that the Astros likely will or should pay for a player of his age on a team that almost certainly can't contend in 2010. Right now, though, Miguel Tejada is the most interesting player to watch on the Astros.

Great Weekend for Houston Fans

For many people the running together of the sports seasons causes conflict and consternation. Some-led by our local radio talk show and newspaper folks- are ready to move on to football before baseball and soccer are finished. In baseball's case (Astros) that can understood in many ways since the club is not winning...won't win anything this year...and isn't even show casing the young players called up from the minors.

Personally I am not concerned about not seeing Chris Johnson, Tommy Manzella, Edwin Maysonet or J.R. Towles everyday. There is nothing in their past records yet that indicates they will be better than the current players on the team either now or in the future. That may sound a bit scary to some of you who look at this team's record and feel hopeless. Still, it is a fact and an indication of why Ed Wade's job this off season in building and then convincing Astro fans that things will be on an upswing in 2010 will be a tall task.

Whether Miguel Tejada is here next season or not he does have a chance at a 200 hit season and an even better chance at leading the National League in doubles. So, let him play. At second base if Kazuo Matsui is keeping Edwin Maysonet off the field so be it. If you haven't noticed--and many of you haven't-- he is playing the best of the season at the plate and his defense is definitely Gold Glove quality. Frankly, he is the best defensive second baseman in the National League, but won't likely get the recognition because he is not also one of the top two or three hitters at the position.

Now, behind the plate they HAVE made a commitment to give J.R. Towles more work. So far he has not helped his chances of being a key cog in the 2010 Astros. His instincts for the game are questionable and his hitting is more than questionable. It has been "pitcher quality."

Playing Chris Johnson at third base has happened quite a bit actually. He has not distinguished or necessarily harmed himself. He does, however, look like a player who needs another full year at Round Rock.

So, whether the Astros game mean a thing in the standings is somewhat irrelevant at this point. Watch the games and take what you can from them.

MEANINGFUL GAMES
There ARE some very meaningful games on the Houston weekend calendar and they involve football. Sorry, Texans, but your game is #3 on my list. The Houston Cougar-Texas Tech college game Saturday night has to be number one. The Cougars are ranked as high as 17 in the nation and with Texas Tech at Robertson Stadium have really their last chance to make a big splash before they begin Conference USA action. Sad to say, once league play begins the Cougars can only hurt themselves by losing or playing close games. They have no other BCS or other major foes. That is why on Saturday night the Cougars need not only to win, but to win rather decisivlyto keep those poll votes rolling in.

Meanwhile the Rice Owls have the sort of match up they need every year. They are playing an SEC team that could conceivably be close to their level when they host Vanderbilt. A Rice schedule heavy with the Stanfords, Northwesterns and Vanderbilts every year would be a good test. The Owls are not as strong as last year's bowl team, but they have recruited well and could put on a good show.

Unfortunately for football fans both the Houston and Rice games are going on almost simultaneously--or closely enough that catching all or most of both would be a real test when one factors in driving and traffic time. Still, I bet some fans of football will give it a shot.

The #3 attraction--at least to me-- is the Texans game with Jacksonville on Sunday. It is still too soon to get a read on the Texans, but Sunday may give a better indication. A home crowd and coming off a nice win (albeit with questions) at Nashville should spark the team. If it doesn't and the performance disappoints those who think, "Same old Texans" may sadly not be wrong.

I'll be with the Astros to the bitter end. But I'll be peeking at what else is going on...in this real big Houston Sports weekend.

Perceptions Aren't Always Reality

The St. Louis Cardinals will soon be champions of the National League Central Division. Yet it is amazing how many people think they are always the team the Astros have to overcome to win. It is true the Cards have won or been the wild card seven of the last ten seasons, but how many forget the recent past.

How many remember that the Cardinals did not make the post season in either 2007 or 2008? Neither did the Astros, of course, but the Cards have not had recent dominance. As a matter of fact their most dominant season was 2004 when then won 105 games and reached the World Series, but lost in four straight to the Red Sox. They won the World Series in 2006 when they actually were starting a mini slide. They only won 83 regular season games, but worked their way through the post season and took the big prize.

Then, they didn't make the post season for two years.

When this season began the Cardinals were most folks choices for no better than third. Certainly they were picked behind the Cubs and in some circles behind the Brewers and maybe even the Reds. When Chris Carpenter made good his comeback from injuries and surgery and Adam Wainwright developed into a Cy Young candidate starter plus the in season acquisitions of Todd Holliday, Julio Lugo and Mark DeRosa solidified the daily lineup the Cards were back.

Without all of that happening this team would have been right where they were picked in the pre season. Well, perhaps I need to amend that. They might have been in the race anyway based on the disappointing season turned in by the Cubs and Brewers, but they certainly wouldn't have been the class of the division as they are now.

The Astros, sadly, are right about where most prognosticators thought they would be. And they are there for most of the reasons expected. An older team with players coming back from injury has only a chance if everything goes right. The older a club is, the chances for everything going right is greatly reduced.

That is exactly what happened. I'm not even including the off seasons by Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt.

So, let us look ahead. Can the Astros compete again in 2010? Absolutely, they can. That is what baseball is like in this era. An offseason roster change or two or three, a pitcher that comes out of no where to succeed, a young player that performs better on the big stage that could have been expected based on minor league work and a team turns from mediocre to good.

The right leadership is paramount. Hiring the right manager and coaching staff is crucial to not only the return of the Astros to .500 and contender status in 2010, but the long range plan as well.

Tony LaRussa has had down seasons...both 2007 and 2008 would qualify. He was able to get through them, deal with the financial restraints placed upon him by management, keep the confidence of the veteran players and respect of the young ones and now in 2009 has a chance to win another World Series.

Whoever Ed Wade hires to be the next Astro manager must have the characteristics that could allow him to hold the job for a long time. Larry Dierker's five seasons in the longest any skipper has been on the job with the Astros since 1997. The Astros have had some decent and/or good teams during that 12 years, too. Four (five if you count Dave Clark) managers in 12 years. That is an awful track record. Ed Wade has to find the man who ownership and management can be confident can handle the job through the ups and downs for a lot longer than two or three or even five years.

Good Move by Making the Move Now

Many people wonder about the dismissal of Cecil Cooper with only 13 games left to play. Why was it done now and not until after the season?

The reasons actually make a lot of sense which could turn out to be helpful in Dave Clark's chances in getting the job fulltime. At the same time if Ed Wade decides Clark is not the man he has a jump on all the other clubs that will wait till the season ends before letting their manager go. Ed will be getting the contacts in place and be ready to move with the "pick of the litter."

Even so, Clark has a shot. In the last two weeks he can show the real Dave Clark. That can never be done by a coach in baseball or an assistant coach in basketball or football while they are working FOR the head man. The real personality or game face has to be kept under wraps.

That is why is is wrong to automatically assume a quiet loyal assistant can't be the head man. Assistants HAVE to be that way to have a smooth relationship with their bosses.

Doug Brocail who appeared with me on the Astros Live Pregame show Tuesday night said the best three managers he has ever played for were Phil Garner, Bruce Bochy and Buddy Bell. They had a true open door policy but were not buddy-buddy with the players. Everyone knew who was the boss, but those three would talk with players, and relied on their coaches in personnel and game situations. In two words- full communication. Brocail said Dave Clark shows a lot of the same characteristics already and his team meeting before the game was essentially a pep talk for everyone over the last 12 games. Brocail added that many of the current Astros have played for Clark and he has not heard a negative word about Dave from any of them.

That's pretty good praise. Of course, if the right candidate with more experience and a bigger resume becomes available and will work for what the Astro budget calls for that may not mean enough. Still, its something to ponder and just some of the things Ed Wade will have to take into consideration himself when making the final decision as to who will lead the Astros in 2010.

A Good Man is Gone

The news that Cecil Cooper was being relieved of his duties as manager of the Houston Astros on Monday afternoon was not a suprise. The club had been struggling mightily down the stretch. Hopes for at least a .500 season were virtually gone. The players did not give the appearance of playing hard. That last statement must emphasize the word "appearance" because when a team is losing and not hitting no matter who they are they often look that way.

However, with everything building, plus the questions of Coops in game strategical moves all season by writers, fans, broadcasters and even his own players, there was little doubt that Coop would not be back in 2010.

It was the timing--with just 13 games to play that was unusual. Perhaps not as unusual as what Milwaukee did last season when a team very much in contention released skipper Ned Yost with just a few weeks to play.

In the Astros case the last road trip to Cincinnati and Milwaukee may have sealed the deal before the season ended, although there were rumors the club hierarchy has considered pulling the plug even before the just concluded road trip, but owner Drayton McLane was out of the country on business.

Everyone can recite what they didn't like about Cecil Cooper as a manager. But no one who knows him could ever say anything bad about Cecil Cooper as a human being. Despite loss after loss he was a gracious as could ever be expected when following the ritual and responsibility of meeting with the news media after every game.

On Sunday as I reported on FS Houston I thought Coop was as down and depressed after a game as I have ever seen him. The team having lost the last of every game on a six game road trip had drained him.

Just a day earlier when a Milwaukee reporter had asked Coop a question about what one gains when using young players in September, Coop replied, "I have to be here next spring first. I have a contract for next year, but I think the owner is going to evaluate everthing after the season."

That was the first time Coop had ever publicly commented about his possible managerial mortality. Had he heard the rumors about him being fired earlier, but for Drayton McLane's absence from the country?

When the official announcement of Coop's departure and Dave Clark's interim elevation was made GM Ed Wade said Cecil handled the changing of the guard very professionally and was not surprised it happened.

Any manager is only as good as his players in the won-loss department. Cecil Cooper is not responsible for the Astros entering play on Monday 70-79. The players are. Can a manager by moves win any games? Sure, but the question is how many? Three? Five? more?

Its a trite phrase, but so true. "You can't fire all the players," but managers and coaches? Thats not hard at all. Dave Clark takes over for the final 13 games and will be a candidate for the job in 2010--along with likely a number of others. The coaches have been told they can seek work elsewhere if they desire since the new manager will be given the right to name his staff.

Cecil Cooper made mistakes as most managers in just their second full year on the job are likely to do. But you can't take away the fact that Cecil Cooper is a good man and for that he will be missed.

Good Luck, Coop.

Hopefully You Didn't Notice

With the joy in Houston for the Texans big win in Nashville on Sunday perhaps no one noticed the Astros concluded their road trip on Sunday going 'Oh for the Road' by losing 6-0 to the Brewers. Not that it really mattered. The Astros by losing the first five on the trip virtually assured two things. One- they won't finish at .500 this season since they would have to win 11 of the last 13. Two- that the future of Cecil Cooper as Astro manager and many or most of his coaches may be near an end. The club has lost its will to win.

The hitters managed only four runs in three games in Milwaukee. The pitchers were not as bad, but not good enough. Felipe Paulino continues to confound. He has great stuff but just can't throw it where he has to often enough. The bullpen is greatly overworked and just about done in. LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde still have some life left in their arms,but they are rarely getting to pitch in their preferred setup and closer roles. The Astros aren't carrying any leads past the fifth, sixth or seventh. They have had some, but normally only one run leads. Theoffense has not been getting it done.

It is on offense when a teams lack of will to win shows itself the most. Being selective at the plate and not helping out the opposing hitter happens in fewer instances. If you watch the club right now you see that a lot more than normal.

In is post game news conference Sunday Coop was more down or depressed than I have seen at any time this year. He didn't know what to say. We hardly knew what to ask. The fall of this ballclub has been rough on a lot of people. It has hit no one harder than Cecil Cooper--a very good man and formerly very outstanding baseball player. This season could be his last as manager. Upon reflection in a year or two that may turn our for him...not to be such a bad thing.

Head Men on the Hot Seat

Prior to Saturdays game with the Brewers a Milwaukee reporter asked Astro manager Cecil Cooper an innocent question about how important it is for young players to get their feet wet in game action as September callups. The question was then asked regarding whether it matters much or whether the real evaluation comes in February or March as Spring Training.



That is when Coop revealed for the first time publicly that he has concerns about whether he will be the manager of the Astros next spring. He did it in a lighthearted way, but it was perceived to be that he knows his job is in jeopardy when the post season evaluation is done by owner Drayton McLane and his upper management team. You can hear exactly how Coop handled the question and his answer on Astros Live Pregame on Sunday at 12:30.



Whether Coop is back as manager in 2010 or not at least he will have a year of what essentially would be severance pay since he is under contract for 2010. Other than the personal disappointment and jab at one's ego he will be fine if that happens.



A similar "crisis point" may be facing Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak. In both Cooper and Kubiak's cases their plight may be caused as much by perceptions of leadership in their jobs as actual team performance.



The hand that Cecil Cooper was dealt in 2009 was not a strong one to say the least. Most baseball observers knew it would take almost career years from a too large number of his players for team to be able to compete for a title. Those career years have not happened. It is the perception of strategical decisions, handling and working with players and general atmosphere of the team that would be Cooper's downfall. Some of this is a result of the makeup of his team and being more demanding would not necessarily have worked. Some players--key players-- are in horrible physical condition. Others don't seem to have that win at all cost drive. Some have limitations but don't seem to be working hard enough to correct them. A number of the pitchers are not fans of Coop.



That latter point is one to discount to a point. Sparky Anderson of the famed Cincinnati Big Red Machine was almost hated by several members of his pitching staff for the way he used them in acquiring the nickname "Captain Hook." Coop on "Talk Like a Pirate Day" Saturday was a Captain Hook himself by using five pitchers in the seventh inning as the Brewers took control of the game. Starter Brian Moehler is a gentleman and would not be critical of coming out after one hitter in the inning with a 2-1 lead, but it was obvious he was not happy. His relievers blew up the game. Why? Coop admitted after the game that they had been used a lot. Who calls for that? The manager thats who.



The lifeless and ineffectiveness of the Astros over the last six weeks has not only certified their position as predicted near the bottom of the National League Central, but also very likely will be the death knell for the Cecil Cooper managerial reign.



Meanwhile, getting back to the Texans. Gary Kubiak is showing some of the same weaknesses in leadership as Coop. The play of his team in week one was horrid. In week two at Nashville they are not expected to win. However, they had better play a much better game even in defeat that in the home opener or the football season will be precariously close to being over before it has really begun. Are the home fans and media over-rating the players on the team? Are the glaring weaknesses on defense in style and skill just too much to overcome? Are the quarterback and top running back just second level NFL players and not capable of playing on winners? All of those are legitimate questions about the Texans. But even if all are true this team was not ready to play in the opener. That falls on the coach or coaching style. Things have to turn around now or Cecil Cooper won't be the only head man in Houston whose job ends in 2009.

Want a Book? Milwaukee is the Place!

During my years as a sports announcer I have read a lot of books on planes and in hotel rooms to pass the time. Admittedly, few are more than something that can be of help in my work. I read a lot of the well researched and adult baseball biographies and historical tomes. I just finished a book on the history of Cincinnati's old Crosley Field and am nearly done with a new book on "Making the Big Red Machine". How Bob Howsam built that organization should be required reading for anyone with a similar chance. Some things have certainly changed since he got the job for a princely $45,000 per season in 1967 and with no free agency for players, but the basic principles of building an organization would still apply.

Both of those were new books. I found them in the "regional interest" section of one of the major chains. My most fun, though, is finding rare "old" books in used bookstores. No city in the National League is better than Milwaukee. They have two of those real old multi story bookstores right downtown. You now the kind...where when you walk in books are piled all over the place. Homemade signs lettered in felt tipped pens direct you to the sections. There is a staircase that goes up into the dusty stacks on upper floors. Twists and turns like a maze finally get you where you want and you hope you can find your way back out.

Well, I always scout out both stores everytime I am in Milwaukee. And just about every time I am here I find something. I remember my first "discoveries" came when I was an NBA announcer. I found an autographed basketball instruction book authored and signed by Phog Allen himself. You know, the fieldhouse guy from Kansas. One of basketball's truly great early coaches. I remember when I showed it to Dick Harter who was an assistant with the Indiana Pacers he wanted to buy it from me on the spot. But I held on to the book. On that same trip I found a book written the year of Harry Houdini's death that revealed how he did all his famous tricks complete with diagrams of the contraptions he used to escape from. Finding that book (written before 1930) in Milwaukee was a treat since Houdini was born in Wisconsin.

On this trip I have added weight to my luggage with four purchases. The first two included a book about former major league umpire Jocko Conlan written in 1967. The other was written by one of the founders of the American Football League and former sportscaster Harry Wismer. The gist of it was how he got ripped off in helping form the league. The irony is that we are celebrating 50 years of the AFL which ultimately did very well after the merger with the NFL, but that was after Wismer was out and several years after he wrote the book.

On Friday I went to the other "classic" bookstore which is less than a block from our hotel. There I found--and purchased--two more books that I have not seen at Houston's Half Price Books. One was called "Its Not Who Won or Lost the Game--its how you sold the beer" by Bob Wolff the long time sports announcer. The other was "Safe by a Mile"--the story of Charlie Metro. Baseball fans may recognize the name Charlie Metro. He was a long time coach and manager in the majors and minors. From books like his I, as an announcer, and sometimes writer find new interesting anecdotes.

So, For more new "old" books...probably a total financial outlay of $25 or so. Pretty good. It only makes the suitcase heavier.

The book I brought on this trip has not been hit very hard. "The Nazi Olympics" the story of the 1936 games. Frankly it is a more weighty topic than I normally handle on trips. But I will get through it...probably sometime during the 2010 season. Oh yes, I got that book in a used bookstore in Chicago!

Was it Really Unexpected

The fact that the Houston Astros are six games under .500 and have been out of the post season picture since the end of July does not surprise many. Before the season began they were picked by most neutral observers to finish fourth or fifth in the six team National League Central. While it is not as much fun (or financially successful) to have a non-contender at least it is not a real surprise.

However, they are VERY surprised in Chicago and mildly surprised here in Milwaukee. The Cubs and Brewers were on top of the division last season. The Cubs were expected to almost run away with things in 2010 and the Brewers, although weakened by the loss of two key starting pitchers, figured to at least be a contender for a wild card spot.

In Chicago injuries have been a problem. But poor play from some key players and less than stellar pitching has been more so. The Cubs likely will finish over .500 and in second place. But it is not a close second place. They have been out of the pennant race almost as long as the Astros because the St. Louis Cardinals have not allowed them to get back in. The Cards could be the first NL team to clinch a post season spot. Their magic number was eight heading into play on Friday. The Cubs were nine games in arears.

Perhaps it is instructional to note that St. Louis was NOT considered any more than a sleeper before the season began. Chris Carpenter had not pitched well since 2006 due to injuries and surgery. The were converting an outfielder to play second base. They had a new shortstop and their third baseman was hurt. Left field was being put into the hands of an unproven player and centerfield was being manned by a converted pitcher who had shown promise, but no long track record.

However, Carpenter got well and good again. Adam Wainwright became a Cy Young candidate. Skip Schumaker took to second base very well and hit. Kyle Ludwick who the Cards picked up off the scrap heap the season before showed that 2008 was no fluke. Then they made some deals to fortify left field and shortstop. And allof a sudden they were the class of the division.

The point with all of this is that while 2009 is 2009 there is no automatic bearing on what 2010 will bring. The Astros need help on the mound, shortstop, third base and catcher. They also need bounce back seasons from Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt. They are committed to getting younger, but the real commitment needs to be getting BETTER. With the current state of the upper end of the farm system they can't just slot in a couple of fellows from Round Rock. There were NO sure bet major league regulars that played at Round Rock in 2009.

That is why Ed Wade will have to judiciously decide which--if any--of the Astro free agents he needs to try to re-sign to fill those holes. Would Tejada at third and Keppinger moving to shortstop improve the defense? Something to think about isn't it? Or maybe a trade acquisition? Ed and his staff have to be looking at hooking up with possible trade partners to strengthen the club. This will be a very busy and important off season.

Roy Shuts it Down

The Astros announced before Wednesday's game in Cincinnati that hurler Roy Oswalt would not make his last three starts this season and instead would seek more detailed medical opinions on how to deal with the lower back issue that has been hampering on and off all season.

It is hoped a method of treatment or repair can be found which will allow him to return to the mound at full strength in 2010. For the last several starts Roy has not been right. Always coy about how he really feels it was often difficult to watch him work. Seeing the Roy Oswalt with pain and ineffective is not the Roy Oswalt that Astro fans have followed and cheered.

In his last start on Tuesday he passed Pete Harnisch and Jim Deshaies in establishing a new single season record for no decisions with 16. Four of those came against the Cincinnati Reds--a team he has dominated over his career.

In 2009 it was the Reds that dominated the Astros and while Cincinnati did not have a good season there is some youth with talent on the club. If the team can avoid injuries in 2010 the Reds may be able to come of age.

The Astros will be in a bit different position. It may not be quite as drastic as many fans fear though. A healthy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez would lead off a rotation that would also likely include Bud Norris and Brian Moehler. The fifth slot is open, but Felipe Paulino will compete along with any other acquisitions or fast track system phenoms.

The outfield will return intact. What we hope will be a rejuvinated and healthy Lance Berkman will be on one corner of the infield. Slick fielding Kazuo Matsui will return at second base. It is the left side of the infield and the catcher position that will have the most change.

Who will those players be? Feel free to guess. But it will be purely a guess. GM Ed Wade may have to make a move or two. Simply elevating players from triple A won't automatically happen. Remember, Jeff Keppinger is a solid shortstop who can provide some offense. Not much is being said about it, but that position might be his.

Third base and catcher? Now, we have to do some work--or rather Ed Wade does.

GAME RECAP
The Astros lost all three to the Reds. Fortunately the games don't have much meaning or the losses would have been harder to take. Some leads were lost late by staters or with the early middle relief. At the same time the offense either started late or started early then disappeared.

Even hitting five home runs in a game didn't work on Wednesday. If it is not one thing it is something else.

After a day off here in Milwaukee a weekend series ends this trip.

GOOD NEWS
Good news reported from Houston where Gene Duffy, long time Houston sportswriter and sometime FS-Houston booth stat man has awakened from coma after suffering cardiac arrest about two weeks ago. Gene is reportedly responding and even was aware of Bill Brown and Jim Deshaies wishing him the best on the Wednesday telecast from Cincinnati. Gene is in St. Luke's so a card from any sports fan would be gladly accepted. He is one of us.

How Do You Cover Losses?

The question of this blog is one that confounds reporters in all sports. When the team you are covering loses more often than it wins. And when those games have little or no meaning in any championship race how do you cover things?

Some would say you cover everything the same. That is too simplistic. The players, managers and coaches are not as accessible. Managers in baseball and head coaches in football and basketball know they have an obligation to speak to the public through the reporters that cover a team. Only when losses accumulate it is a very hard job.

Those managers and coaches should also be aware the same holds true for the reporters. In modern journalism fans are used to hearing from those who played the game...or coached or managed it. That means questions have to be asked and statements have to be made.

Jesus Ortiz put himself in a tough spot following the Astros second loss to the Reds on Tuesday. He decided the story was really Paul Janish, the Houston native and Rice ex, who had three doubles and drove home the winning run in the 5-4 game. He put himself in a tough spot because he was working the Astro clubhouse trying to get comments from Manager Cooper and Astro players about Janish.

After a defeat no player or manager feels like commenting positively on the player or players that spelled their doom. Coop at least did a much better job of answering, "What did you think of Janish's performance" than Tommy Lasorda did years ago when the exactly same worded question was asked substituting the name Dave Kingman for Paul Janish. Kingman had hit three home runs against the Dodgers that day. Lasorda's profanity filled tirade became an underground sports classic. It was only heard by the general public with hundreds of "bleeps".

The same question was asked of Lance Berkman and our FS Houston camera was also looking in. Lance turned to me and asked "Are you really interested in this? I replied , "Just cause the camera is on doesn't mean we are going to use it."

Then Lance turned back to Jesus and gave a good and even humorous answer pointing out the heroics of Janish would be expected from a Rice alum. Nothing earth-shaking but the kind of thing that plays well on TV. Even though he couldn't play due to a balky back, Lance was no less upset that the Astros lost.

All the players in all sports play the games to win. Sometimes they don't. Reporters still need to find something to tell their readers and listeners anyway. Its just not as much fun or as easy to do after losses.

Cincinnati Baseball History

I love baseball history. I also like to scout out areas that used to have ballparks. Crosley Field in Cincinnati is where I first saw major league baseball. It is where I saw Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks and Frank Robinson for the first time. It is where I saw Roberto Clemente hit three home runs and drive in seven. It had lots of memories. So Monday I walked about an hour and found the site where it used to be. Only one significant landmark remains...and maybe a bit of the old slope from the outfield terrace. Hence the following photo essay.

Note the building on the right. It is the only landmark from around old Crosley Field still standing. In later pictures it will appear outside the park in the deep left field corner near the street that passed by the back of the left field wall. This picture of a parking lot show some of the remaing "terrace" that ran through the left and centerfield areas and were the inspiration for "Tal's Hill" in Minute Maid Park.

This is the corner of York and Dalton Avenue. When Crosley Field existed Dalton stopped at the first base grandstand at Finley. Now it cuts through would would have been the heart of the field. This point is right where the large scoreboard ended and left field began.

This sign is on a building that would have been located right over the heart of the field itself

The road to the right is Western Avenue. The road approaching is Findlay. This corner was the right field corner of Crosley Field. The Field was a few feet inside the intersection. Busses would often be parked in the area now occupied by the building. This was considered the address for Crosley Field-- Findlay (running down the first base/right field line) and Western Ave (running behind the right field bleachers toward center.

Here is what Crosley Field looked like when I75 was being constructed--the dirt area the right on the other side of Western Avenue. The near street bordering the park was Findley. Both met at the point to the right. York is to the top of the shot behind left field. The lone building standing shown earlier is to the left of the grandstand in left field (note the chimney which IDs the building. Dalton is the street ending at the park from the bottom. Now it runs all the way up to York. An earlier shot showed the intersection of Dalton and York now. About where the left end of the scoreboard and left field met.

This is a postcard from a different angle. The landmark building is in the lower left. Again the chimney helps verify the ID. The sloped parking low shown earlier would have been just inside the grandstand.

I don't know if this interested you as much as it did me. The Astros themselves weren't all that interesting in Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park on Monday. They scored only one and gave up three. Most in Cincinnati weren't too interested either. Fewer than 10,000 bothered to root for the home team.

A Great Day to be Gone

Every morning when I am about to get out of bed I push a button on the radio and for the next 59 minutes one of Houston's Sports Talk Radio stations comes through. (I won't say which one but signal strength IS a factor.) But it really won't matter which station it is. Everyone will be saying the same thing about one topic-- The Houston Texans.

I mean how many ways can you say the team was awful? I was working the Astros telecast so I never saw the game. I did follow on line when I could check in. I have read the Chronicle reports on line already here in Cincinnati. I have read the comments from fans.

How could a team--any team-- that supposedly has better players than it ever has--that was opening the season healthy and at home--that had such high expectations--be so absolutely awful?

Despite what it might have looked like in the game against the Jets the season is not over. However, it might be (as far as having a shot at the playoffs) if they don't start looking like a real football team very very quickly. They sure apparently did not on Sunday.

WHAT ABOUT THE COUGARS?
The sad thing about the pro football dominance on local media in Houston is that the Houston Cougars won't get enough love. And they certainly should be loved after what they did at Oklahoma State on Saturday. Before a pretty large audience on Fox Sports Nets system of regional networks they were able to put on a national show. Impressive enough for the A.P. pollsters to put them in the top 25. The Sports Information Directors--- er, Coaches Poll--hasn't got the word yet.

And the word is that Kevin Sumlin has a very quick and talented offensive team. Whether the defense is on the same level is hard to tell right now. After all Oklahoma State IS pretty good so having the Cowboys score 35 is not as impressive as having the Cougars get 45 against them.

Hopefully, the word will spread on the Cougars between Texans bashing enough so that the big game with Texas Tech in a couple of weeks will be a standing room only sellout at Robertson Stadium. There is no reason why it should not be.

Oh, and one more thing about Texans bashing. Take it easy on the Texans flagship station if they aren't quite as vicious as you would prefer. That is the way it is in this business. One game can't ruin their season...they have 15 more to broadcast.

As I often say to Astros fans. Enjoy the game on a game by game basis. Don't be too hung up on winning or going to the World Series or SuperBowl. That should always be the goal,but it rarely or never will happen. No reason you still can enjoy the games. OK, I amend that a bit. There was no reason for you to enjoy Sunday's Texans game. But they will come back and it won't always be that bad.

ASTROS STILL PLAYING
The only thing at stake for the Astros of any signficance is whether they can finish with a .500 or better record. They begin the next six games three under. Cincinnati and Milwaukee aren't winning any pennants this season either so doing better on the road this trip is possible.

For fans who want to see some of the call-ups play more that could happen on this trip. Cecil Cooper either by his own volition or edict only showed Chris Johnson much on the last home stand and that was by default. Both Jeff Keppinger and Geoff Blum have not been healthy. Edwin Maysonet and Tommy Manzella should get a start on this trip. Coop says he owes it to his vets to keep them playing for the most part and he owes it to the ticket buying public to keep the regulars in the lineup for home games. I also think he knows finishing at .500 or better won't hurt job security if that is in question. Mainly, though Cooper just wants to win games and feels that going with the vets is still the best way to go about it--even if some of his vets have not always been able to get the job done.

TV BASEBALL
Astros and Reds begins with Astros Live Pregame at 5:30 Monday... first pitch set for 6:10.
As usual it is all on FS Houston

Cougars Story Biggest in Town

During the baseball season I am pretty much all baseball. Covering all of the Astros games home and road makes that an obvious priority. But I can still appreciate things happening away from the diamond. Like Saturday's huge win in football for the Houston Cougars. I have always regretted that since the demise of the Southwest Conference that the Cougars, Owls, SMU and TCU have gone their separate ways into conferences that our networks (FS-SW and FS-Houston) do not have working agreements with. We can't cover their games like we did in the glory days of the old SWC. But we certainly can still appreciate the work they do. Yesterday was one of those days. And because the game was part of our Big 12 package we were able to bring it to you on FS-Houston. So try to take it easy on announcers Bill Land and Gary Reasons. They are Big 12 announcers and Oklahoma State is one of their teams. (I had some emails.)

While I was at Minute Maid Park prepping for the Astros and Pirates we had FS Houston on in the booth with the Cougar-Oklahoma State game. Though not able to watch closely or hear the commentary I was able to see enough of the speed and on offensive skill of the Cougars to almost bring back flashback memories of when we did telecast Houston football. It was during their great run and shoot teams of Jack Pardee and John Jenkins. I was behind the mic with former Oiler coach Ed Biles for some of those 60 points scoring games--including the first vs Texas at the Astrodome when the run and shoot put up its first big numbers. Nevermind that it was really some defensive interceptions and runbacks by UH that really caused the big numbers that day. Soon future Heisman winner Andre Ware burst upon the scene. We worked a number of his games. Then David Klingler replaced him. Those were the glory days.

Now, under Kevin Sumlin the chance for glory in 2009 is in the Cougars' hands. With the win against OSU the team will be noticed. Another win at home over Texas Tech is required to keep it going. Then, there can't be stumbles in Conference USA play. That is a big task. But the road is open. What remains to be seen is how far Houston can drive down it.

TEXANS TOO
Everyone who has yet to play a game in the NFL this season has the same open road. The Texans start their trip Sunday at home agains the New York Jets. Houston is at a key stage in its development. The ARE better than they ever have been. But they can't start ever thinking they are. In other words for the Texans to actually have success on the field they can't take any time off on the field. They have to play hard--all the time.

Is this concern why so many people think the Jets could win on Sunday? Is it the fear that the Texans have never shown the ability or will to take it to the opposition decisively? Is it the fear that the club may have better talent, but somewhere will have a key turnover or key penalty to thwart what up to then had been a strong effort?

I can't give you any expert opinion. I haven't been around the Texans. I don't cover the NFL. I do watch the Texans every week on TV when possible and I read what is written and listen to what is said about them. I am just a fan who hopes they have a good season and make all those die hards who live and die with them happy.

ASTROS ROLL OUT
My bags are packed and the trip to Cincinnati and Milwaukee awaits the final game of the Pirates series at Minute Maid Park Sunday afternoon. While casual baseball fans may not be aware or even care, the last 20 games of the season do have some significance. The Astros have an excellent chance to climb over and finish with the winning record. The Astros will have a chance to see and get early evaluations on the abilities of some younger players against major league competition. (Just don't expect to see Tommy Manzella and Chris Johnson much--they will see action, but not everyday.) This is especially important with pitchers Bud Norris--who may have already shown enough--and Felipe Paulino who is pitching Sunday.

Paulino is the key. For the Astros to have success in 2010 without having to go out and find a pitcher elsewhere Paulino has to harness his natural talent into a consistent major league starting pitcher. He has shown that ability at times this season, but needs to finish with a series of consistent starts.

Those of you who are "all sports" fans may have already shut down on Astros baseball. But judging from the number of fans who are still populating Minute Maid Park for each home game there are a lot of primary baseball fans who will be watching those last 20 games as closely as Ed Wade for most of the same reasons.

Football and Baseball Crunch

As everyone is now aware the football season has begun and so the inevitable scheduling problems have begun with television networks and stations who cover both major league baseball and college football.

This includes Fox Sports Houston. So, here is a little heads up for today (Saturday 9/12) and other Saturdays till the end of the Astros season. No one should panic. Both football and baseball are available, but it may take a little search on your cable or satellite channels to find one or the other.

Fox Sports Houston is first and foremost commited to the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets. That means in good times and bad times. The games all are going to be played and we are going to have them for their fans. At the same time we are a major carrier of Big 12 football and in today's case a game between the Big 12's Oklahoma State Cowboys and our own Houston Cougars of Conference USA.

The OSU-UH game will be seen in its entirety on FS Houston. HOWEVER, based on the offenses used by both it is very possible the game will run past the 6pm start time for Astros baseball on FSH. In that case the Astros game (no Astros Live Pregame, but the game itself) will be seen on an alternate channel--UNTIL the OSU-UH game is finished. Then the telecast will be joined in progress on FSH. At that point the coverage of the Astros on the alternate channel will cease. Be aware of the alternate channel because it will come into play for baseball and/or football throughout the end of the "conflict season".

This is nothing different than what TBS/TNT or ESPN/ESPN2 have had to do in the past during the MLB playoffs when one game runs long and the other is ready to start. We are only using an alternate channel if neccessary.

Because of the different channels that may be used by Comcast and the other cable operators and satellite providers in the Fox Sports Houston region I can't tell you specifically which number to punch up in your situation. However, you should be able to find what you want. We are not letting one sport overwhelm another. Everyone is being served.

I am sure I will get questions about this on Twitter during the telecast start tonight if the football game runs long. I will be referring those fans to this blog for more information. I also understand someone with our company is going to post this information on Twitter and elsewhere on this Facebook page.

HOW ABOUT THE GAMES?
As for the Astros it is obvious the only real goal left for the club is to see if it can climb to and past the .500 mark before the season ends. It is certainly possible and would allow the club to finish with a better record than most "prognosticators" expected the club to have. What is that worth? Really nothing, but keeping the club on the positive side of the ledger at least.

The OSU-UH game is very important for Houston. The only way the Cougars can finish in the top 20 is to win those non conference games against the so called higher level opponents while also winning C-USA. Doing it on the road which is normally their only option adds to the value of wins. Few think they can handle Oklahoma State. If Oklahoma States players think the same thing then Houston could pull off a surprise. Just don't expect it.

Richard Justice of the Chronicle has an interesting blog on the building of the 2010 Astros. He is asking fans to offer their thoughts. Thats a good idea, but as Richard points out, when thinking of 2010 the budget is paramount. So far most are building their 2010 team without thoughts of possible positions that might include trades to improve...only farm system players and possible free agents. Virtually everyone in the Astros higher farms is suspect as to being productive major leaguers. Manzella can field..can he hit? He has to play in the major leagues to find out. Johnson is mediocre defensively at third and has holes in his swing. He has to play more to correct both. He is only 24. J.R. Towles might be OK defensively and working with pitchers, but has shown no positives as a major league hitter since September 2007. Maybe he can get better at the plate..maybe not. Again, he has to play to make a final decision.

As long as fans don't expect those three and others--like Maysonet-- to be more than they can be playing them regularly for a time is not out of the question. Remember years ago the Astros played a .250 hitting third baseman and a .260 hitting outfielder as young players. Both Ken Caminiti and Luis Gonzalez turned out pretty good. If the trio or quartet of young players on hand with the Astros now can produce at least as well as Cammy and Gonzo did in their early years they will be fine.

Why the Pipeline is Necessary

Thursday nights 9-7 loss to the Braves could have turned into a game to remember had Miguel Tejada come through with a big hit in the 9th inning as he did the night before. Instead it became a footnote in Astro history when Miggy hit into his third double play of the night--an Astro team record.

The body of the game itself, however, and especially the start pointed out how important it is that the results of Bobby Heck's scouting department and Ed Wade's player development team get the Astros full system back up to speed.

Roy Oswalt had a horrible start. Immediately after the game he was unavailable for comment so speculation was heavy that his back problem had flared again. He had not complained about it to manager Cecil Cooper on the bench. Roy, however, is normally very reluctant to admit to any physical weakness. He is quite coy in talking around the subject when asked directly.

So, let us assume Roy's ineffectiveness WAS caused by his balky back. That doesn't change the point I am about to make any more than if his ineffectiveness was caused by age or decline in skills.

The Astros need their farm system to start producing players on the double and triple a levels who are ready to challenge for major league jobs. They have to have pitchers who are ready to compete for rotation or relief specialty jobs. They need both now--for 2010. It may be, however, there just are not enough players that fill that job description yet.

When injury started to speed the decline of Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman and Daryl Ward were standing by. That, unfortunately, is that is the ONLY solid example of players in the pipeline who were denied because a position was too full. Lance and Daryl both had to spend time in the outfield before Baggy had to retire. Ward perhaps never has fulfilled his promise for lack of a chance to play regularly at first base. That is what happens with deep competition.

It was thought Mitch Melusky back in 1999 was ready to replace Brad Ausmus at catcher. For one season he did. Mitch hit very well in 2000. He was not a solid defensive or game calling catcher, but he could have improved. He did not and coupled with chronic shoulder injuries he was out of baseball a few years later.

Adam Everett, although acquired in a trade originally, worked his way through the Astro system and moved in at shortstop for several seasons. The Astros tried several third baseman from the system--most notably Chris Truby--but nothing panned out--after the original Ken Caminiti years.

Craig Biggio was a system player and for awhile it appeared Chris Burke was the heir apparent. Not only did Biggio stay longer than expected, but Burke never took advantage of the opportunities he got and was soon gone.

Outfielders tend to come and go. The Astro farm system produced Richard Hidalgo and Bobby Abreu. Since then only Hunter Pence.

The pattern is clear. The Astros have signed some big dollar free agents like Carlos Lee, Miguel Tejada and Kazuo Matsui because there was no one in the whole system considered sure bets for major league success.

In recent years the Astros have had a few pitchers that some thought might develop. In reality since Wandy Rodriguez none really have for any length of time. The Astros have actually traded some starting pitchers--some with promise. So far none of them have developed into anything with other clubs that have caused concern about those deals.

This brings me back to Roy. Wandy is already here and has been the ace of the Houston staff in 2009. Roy has had a bad back, bad luck and sometimes bad pitching to remember from 2009. On occasion he has been as good as ever. Those occasions have been less frequent. That is not unusual for a pitcher once he passes 30. All of them have to make adjustments and learn new tricks. And many of them start having physical breakdowns.

So, where are the Astro starting pitchers ready right now to jump in and start building that new rotation? The rotation where Oswalt is still a major part, but no longer needed to be #1.

Maybe Bud Norris is part of that. Maybe Felipe Paulino has the stuff. Maybe the bulk of the competition has just finished pitching in A ball. Whereever it is the Astros need it quickly if they are going to compete again in 2010.

In baseball pitching is the key. If the Astros don't know who will play SS, 3b or C in 2010 they can still be a winner next year if the pitching is much better. Maybe someone from Class A is on a fast track. Maybe there is competition for job coming. Maybe.

Walk Off and Other Wins

During the days I was sitting on field level during Astro home games and taking emails from fans one of the questions that came up several times was, "What does it mean when announcer's say 'walk off home run...or walk off hit?'"

I would hope that no fan of the Astros in 2009 needs to ask that question. Miguel Tejada and Geoff Blum have each had hits that won the game in the final inning--pushing the winning run across the plate and thus allowing everyone to "walk off" the field.

Add two by Kazuo Matsui and one by Jeff Keppinger that makes nine for the Astros in their 40 home victories... a full 24 percent of the Astros wins at Minute Maid Park. If that isn't a record it has to be very close. It also points out the old adage, "The game isn't over till the final man is out"--sort of. With a walk off winning hit the game doesn't end on an out...the only time that is true.

Of course "walk offs" have occurred against the Astros, too. Alfonso Soriano has been practically booed out of Wrigley Field this season. But the fans need to give him a break--at least when the Astros are in town. Soriano has a bloop single to win a game on May 16th...AND a walk off grand slam homer against Chris Sampson to take the Cubs to victory on July 27th.

Others to provide home town thrills include David Murphy of the Rangers. He brought them home in Arlington on June 17th in the tenth inning. Dan Uggla of Florida beat the Astros in the bottom of the eleventh with a single on August 11th.

But the most disappointing walk off agains the Astros took place on July 9th at Minute Maid Park. That was the completion of the suspended game in Washington on May 5th. The Astros were the visiting team in their home park. The game was picked up in the 11th inning. It ended almost immediately after a walk and single with one out when an apparent double play ball was hit to Keppinger at second. One out on the toss to Tejada, but Miggy's throw to first was wild and the winning run scored. It was a walk off run scored by an out of town team serving at the home team on the scoreboard. That was one "Walk Off" situation that will be hard to duplicate. Or one that Astro fans might like to forget.

Putting the Numbers to It

After Tuesday night's 2-1 loss to Atlanta I made a note to myself to check into the numbers and compare the Astros to the division leading Cardinals in low run games. The purpose was to decide what the Cards were doing so much better than the Astros in 2009.

This is where statistics pretty much only prove what the naked eye can see. It is why those of us who actually WATCH baseball everyday don't need to look at numbers specifically do spot what a club is doing or not.

For example the opinion is held that the Cardinals are a better team than the Astros. They have more good hitters and more good pitchers. They also have Albert Pujols. So who needs to break down stats?

Well, I am going to look into one comparison. How the two clubs do in low run games...games in with two runs or less are scored by one team or the other.

Guess what? The Cardinals are better. Again that should be no surprise but here are the numbers. (Give or take a missed game or two. That type gets might small!)

The Cardinals have won 83 games heading into Wednesdays action. They had won 54 of those 83 with their pitchers allowing two or fewer runs. That is 65% of their victories which seems to be a very high total. Yet the fact the Cards have only won nine games when scoring two or fewer runs indicates a lot of one sided victories. And scanning the game by game scores shows a lot of 7-1 or 6-2 victories. That is a team of balance.

The Cardinals have lost 26 games when scoring two or fewer runs. That is just under 19% of their total games and 46% of their losses. If anything that proves the old adage about good pitching. You CAN beat them if you pitch well against them...even if your team doesn't score much either. It just doesn't happen much.

The Cardinals have only lost four times when allowing two or fewer runs...again this points out the number of games in which the Cards have scored a lot and the opposition not much. The Cards offense has been hard to hold down and they rarely lose by large margins. It also again points out the skills of St. Louis pitchers..and maybe the ability to skipper Tony LaRussa to manage close games.

Finally the Cardinals have won nine games when scoring two or less runs.

Now to the Astros. Astro pitchers have allowed two or fewer runs in 34 games. That is 51% of the Astro wins and about 25% of their total games played. Houston has won eight games when scoring two or fewer runs but lost 33. In 41 of the Astros 138 games they have scored two or fewer runs. That comes out to a .297 percentage. St. Louis has scored two or fewer in 35 of 140 games or .250. But the Cards pitchers have allowed two or fewer runs in 58 of 140 games which comes out to .414. The Astros numbers are 40 of 138 for .289. That is a significant difference in the pitching staffs.

So, the standings don't lie. The stats don't lie. The Cards are a better team both on the mound and in the batter's box. But you didn't really need the numbers to tell you that did you?

How do the Astros close the gap or more in 2010. THAT is the real question.

Good Pitching.. Almost No Hitting

Funny thing about the Astros 2009 season. Most of us are quick to criticize the pitching as being the major culprit why the club is not a contender. Tuesday night, however, was another example that the whole team is a problem. The offense can't be blameless in this 67-71 record.

Against the Braves' Javier Vazquez the Astros were easy pickings. Now, all teams lose to good pitching on occasion. The Astros have had too many games where the "big guns" have not come through in key spots. Best example of that is in the stats. Only Carlos Lee has a chance to drive in 100 runs this year. He will have to push to get there, too, since his total of 88 means he needs twelve more in just 24 games.

You can't blame Lance Berkman's calf injury for his low production either. He has not played in 23 of the teams games, but that still doesn't explain a paltry 66 RBIs. Or Hunter Pence with 23 home runs, but only 67 rbis. Although Miguel Tejada has slumped the second half of the season his total of 70 runs batted in is probably not far from where it should be. He has hit second much of the year. That is not a spot with a high number of base runners in scoring position usually.

While the Astros were held to just seven hits on Tuesday their team batting average is not low. It is .263. Thats exactly the same as the 70-67 Braves. The similarity ends there. Atlanta has hit 13 more homers and scored 50 more runs. Atlanta won't have a 100 rbi man for sure. That is as much as their topsy turvey lineup---Chipper Jones has played in the most games and he has missed 16.

What this all means is the Astros have been losing as a team. Tomorrow I plan to count the number of losses compiled when the pitching was good--like Tuesday. It is going to be more than most think I expect.

NOTES OF NOTE
Rookie 3b Chris Johnson will never forget his first day in a major league uniform. He was beaned by Yorman Bazardo while hitting in a simulated game to get Bazardo some work. Johnson was OK being protected by his helmet. But his bell was ringing for awhile.

Tommy Manzella assured himself of a line in the Baseball Encyclopedia when he got into the game in the 9th as a pinch runner. Astros manager Cecil Cooper says both will see some action before the season is over. He just can't say how much. How the next few games go may have a lot to do with that.

As long as the club has a shot at .500 and perhaps catching the Cubs for second place Coop is likely to go with his vets for the most part.

On the other hand if the vets don't hit any better than they did on Tuesday....

Sweep is Sweet No Matter

And, yes, you are correct if you say, "No matter is right...The Astros aren't going anwhere so the sweep of the Phillies did not matter."



And I would answer by saying, "Oh ye who only worry about winning the "big one.". There is a lot more to enjoy with professional sports than just celebrating winning a World Series or SuperBowl...or even NBA title (although we DO have experience in that in Houston at least.)



The fun for me has always been the GAME. I am not talking about what this guy did for a fantasy team..or what this win meant for the betting line. That is of absolutely no interest to me. I have been involved in sportscasting since the late 1960s. NEVER have I placed a single bet on a sporting event. I don't get involved in fantasy anything. The REAL games are what I enjoy. I enjoy watching Hunter Pence drive in three runs..or Wandy Rodriguez keep opposing hitters off balance. I enjoy Yao Ming take over a game...or Steve Slaton dash through defenders.

I want to see how teams win...how they play...and why the managers or coaches do what they do.



So, as one who covers the Astros every game of the season I enjoyed seeing them play at peak performance against the defending World Series champion Phillies. I loved watching good pitching and timely hitting. I enjoyed watching Michael Bourn do the job against the team that traded him. Plus, I suppose I had a perverse joy watching the Astros rally and beat Brad Lidge, too. Why? Not that they beat Lidge who is a very honorable person. No, I liked the way they did what you have to do to beat him. You have to be very selective at the plate for he has problems with command. He can be waited out. Most of the Astros did just that in saddling him with a defeat on Saturday.



I like the intracacies, the history and the strategy of the game. Therefore, whether a game has any real bearing in a pennant race is not that important. Every game is special.



Many think Cecil Cooper will be let go after the season. I am one who doesn't think that is automatic. One very good and IMPORTANT reason is that the Astros are still playing hard every night. That is a reflection on everyone...including the manager.



Does Coop make some in game decisions that raise questions? Yes. But every manager who has ever lived has done that. Does Coop probably use his starters with too much regularity--especially the older ones? Probably. But for most of the year he was trying to get his team to .500 and then stay in a pennant race. Its very hard for a manager to put what he knows is a lesser lineup on the field very often in those circumstances. The bottom line is, "Are the Astros where they are today because of their manager?" The answer is a resounding, "No."



They are where they are because the hand he was dealt has notam not just talking about Ortiz or Hampton, but also Berkman...even Lee...and to a lesser extent in the second half of the season, Pence and Tejada.



Cooper's managerial style is different and perhaps needs to change in some ways. But I don't see Tony LaRussa itching to move over to the Astros...or any other proven manager of skill. Cooper is not the major problem. It is not having enough players....or players who were expected to have better seasons than they have.



Two newcomers to the major leagues will be with the Astros starting Tuesday. Shortstop Tommy Manzella and third baseman Chris Johnson have been called to "the show." Coop says they will play some, but not much. Their primary purpose is to observe how major leaguers conduct themselves and learn to fit into the routine. Coop is proud that his guys are pros. They have been showing that every night win or lose. He wants the newest Astros to emulate the best of Astro professionalism. If Coop's not here to see what effect that exposure has next spring that would be a shame. It might happen, but it might not automatically be right.

A Pitcher is Born

Sunday's game may have been more than just the Astros third straight win against the defending World Series champion Phillies. It may also have been the game when young pitcher Bud Norris "got it."

After breaking in with a fine relief effort in Chicago and an even better start against the Cardinals Bud's effectiveness had been in decline. His "stuff" was still good. He had a good fastball, sinker, breaking ball and change. He just didn't know how to use it. And he didn't know how important is was to command that "stuff."

On Sunday he was touched for two solo homers. But he was never in any jams. One of the reasons for that was that he did not walk a single Phillie. Walks had been a problem for Bud in past outings and they often were keys to bad innings. Not so on Sunday.

When manager Cecil Cooper elected to remove him for a pinch hitter after six innings and fewer than 90 pitches it was as much to allow Norris to leave with confidence as anything else. When Bud left he left as having put in a good days work.

While Bud Norris outing was the most important and combined with the starts by Wandy Rodriguez and Roy Oswalt put capital letters on the word PITCHING when one wants to suggest what will get the Astros back into a pennant race in 2010, it wasn't the only story Sunday.

Michael Bourn was the other one. From his leadoff position he collected a couple of singles that he turned into doubles by stealing second. And he stole both of them off the pitcher and first baseman. Catcher Carlos Ruiz wasn't involved at all and never made a throw.

In both cases Bourn elected to run on "first move" meaning as soon as pitcher Cole Hamels made a move with his hands Michael was off to second. Both times Bourn didn't try to "read" Hamels and wait until he was sure the ball was going to the plate. He didn't care. He was going.

In both cases a lesser or slower runner would have been picked off and caught at second by the throw from the first baseman to the shortstop. The Phillies couldn't pull off the play. Michael might have been out on his first attempt had shortstop Rollins been able to hold onto the ball. The second time the ball was handled cleanly. Michael just beat it.

Michael Bourn not only has been one of the most improved players in baseball in 2009, but is the Astros MVP. He has made catches all over the outfield...cut down runners with throws... leads the NL in stolen bases...has an outstanding average and on base percentage and has proved to be a very good clutch hitter. If he can cut down his strikeouts perhaps by at least a third in 2010 he might even be able to contend for a batting title.

While the Astros aren't going to be winning a pennant or a wild card spot in 2009 or maybe not even reaching the .500 mark, the cupboard for 2010 won't be bare. Bud Norris and Michael Bourn showed on Sunday there will be some solid ingredients to help start creating a new and younger look. A younger look with some real skills.

They Won't Win the Pennant but...

The Houston Astros won't be in the post season this year, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some great games to be played. Saturday night was one of them.

After leading early 3-0 a 2run homer and rbi single by Hunter Pence the Phillies started to come back in the 7th when Roy Oswalt's physical malaise coupled with some tightness in his lower back forced him out of the game. Philadelphia got two runs in the inning charged to Roy, but allowed in by relievers Byrdak and Fulchino.

The club still led 3-2 into the 8th when LaTroy Hawkins had one of his rare poor outings. He gave up a leadoff single to Jimmy Rollins and an rbi triple by Ryan Howard to tie. That assured Oswalt of a 15th no decision start--tying him with Pete Harnisch and Jim Deshaies for the most in team history. The good news is he will have a chance to break the tie....meaning that his back injury is NOT serious and he is still figuring on his next start as scheduled. Hopefully he won't break that tie, but at least he will continue to pitch.

In the 9th inning with Brad Lidge on the mound Hunter Pence struck out. But Geoff Blum coaxed a walk which was followed by a first pitch single by Chris Coste. Now, the pressure started to build on Lidge. Jason Michaels coaxed another walk and the bases were loaded with one out. Michael Bourn brought groans to the crowd with Lidge on the ropes when he swung at the first pitch and grounded into a force at home.

Then, Kazuo Matsui showed the veteran savvy that he has by working the count --getting to three balls before stroking a line drive to center that brought home both the tying and winning runs.

It was a great baseball game and the 35,195 tickets sold were worth it. It may be the opening of football season, but there is still some fine baseball to be played--even by the teams that aren't likely heading to the post season.

VIEWING REMINDER
Sundays afternoon game is on My20 and not FS Houston. Airtime is 1pm. FS Houston returns for Monday afternoon' Labor Day Special with pregame set for 12:30

Astros Win but Something More Important

Just as I was about to interview Hunter Pence following the Astros 7-0 victory over the defending World Champion Phillies, radio voice Brett Dolan told me something that makes sports so insignificant. A good friend, Astros radio engineer Lowell Matheny, was in Methodist Hospital undergoing and/or recovering from an emergency stent procedure on his heart.

According to Brett, Lowell had been feeling bad with chest pains on Thursday and went to be checked out. He had not suffered a heart attack and was allowed to go home. Then, after he reported to Minute Maid Park for Friday night's game he started feeling pain in his chest again. After conferring with head athletic trainer Nate Lucero he was told to head to the hospital. That is when the blockage was discovered and a stent procedure was ordered.

Its too early to say when Lowell will be able to return to work. But perhaps a fitting finish to the game on Friday had Doug Brocail on the mound for the final inning. Brocail has a stent in one of his heart arteries himself.

As for the Astros win...it was decisive. Wandy Rodriguez, Tim Byrdak and Brocail were untouched in the run department which the Astros were manhandling 2008 AL Cy Young winner Cliff Lee with 6runs on nine hits in just three innings. One of those hits was a 2r HR by Hunter Pence.

Carlos Lee hit a solo homer off Jamey Moyer in the 5th. The scoring was done and the game was essentially over.

Now thoughts to back to Lowell Matheny who is my seat partner on Astro road trips. Do what the doctors say, Lowell, and we'll have you back out here before you know it. Heck you may even make it back before the Astros next road trip and I will know where to sit.

How to Look it Up

Throughout the season I am often asked questions dealing with rules, biographical information, records or Astro history. When I answer I may use what is already locked in my brain or more frequently head to one of the many sources on the internet.

Today I will give everyone some tips on places where they can find almost all they want to know themselves--my most used and favorite sources.

I am not going to load this column up with a bunch of https back slashes and full addresses. But I will let you know the words to use for a search on your favorite search engine to find the sites.

Let's start with the basics. MLB.com and Astros.com are the primary sites for all baseball fans. You want stats that are updated daily or game previews? Those are the places to start. On Astros.com you get Astro-centric news from Brian McTaggart and atypical behind the scenes looks from Alyson Footer.

For great historical sites the "big three" are Baseball-Reference, Baseball Almanac and Baseball Retrosheet. A step below is Baseball Library (due to its lack up updates on more recent players.)

The Baseball Hall of Fame site is a great one for all the players inducted into the Hall. And don't forget the minor leagues. Minor League Baseball has a site that includes scores, links to team sites and stats.

For following games as they are being played my preference is CBS Sportsline for its clean uncluttered format and ease of use. When I want a quick detail check on another game in progress...or to catch up on something I may have missed in the Astro game while out of the booth I always hit CBS Sportsline. Of course, Fox Sports.com, ESPN.com and Yahoo.com--along with MLB.com all offer good scoreboards. ESPN is the only one with a number of "extra fee" features which in my opinion are not worth the money.

Right now Sporting News online is excellent and free. This is not to be confused with the Sporting News website. Sporting News Online offers a free on line daily paper with coverage of all sports but focusing on the big four-- baseball, football, basketball and hockey including box scores and stories. A questionaire recently circulated indicated by one of the questions that the service may not remain free much longer. A charge of about a dollar a month may be coming.

There are dozens of other sites for baseball fans. Those listed above are my favorites where once a user gets familiar with how to work though them can find nearly everything they want to know.

Blame the Defense and Offense This Time

The Cubs beat the Astros 4-1 on Tuesday night. A better fate instead of a tenth loss should have been Brian Moehler's. Two of the three runs he allowed were unearned due to defensive mistakes. The first error that cost a run came on a potential double play ball his to Miguel Tejada. He fielded it then threw it wildly in the general direction of Kazuo Matsui at second base. Everyone was safe instead of the inning over. The next hitter took advantage by ripping a single up the middle.

Later Hunter Pence got turned around on a fly ball and while he recovered to get the ball in his glove he couldn't hold on. Another unearned run ensued.

It could be said the final score should have been 2-1, but actually the Astros got their run thanks to shaky defense. After Matsui singled and stole second in the 7th, second baseman Jeff Baker couldnt hold the throw and Kaz moved to third where he scored on a ground out by Chris Coste.

So, with good baseball on both sides make the final 2-0 Cubs.

That is where the lack of Astro offense enters. By the way, if anyone can find Lance Berkman's home run bat please return it. The hitter who is supposed to be leading this team has not been most of the year. He has not homered since July 9th and only has 14 runs batted in since then. That is 46 games. He missed 18 of them with a calf injury, but still... His average has hung steady in the .273-.276 range, but no homers and 14 rbis over 46 games for the #3 hitter???

The only hitter who really has been hitting is the man fans love to criticize for his sometimes lack of hustle--Carlos Lee. Even with Carlos it will require a strong finish for him to reach 100 rbis. No one else will even be close. Pence, Tejada and Berkman won't even be close.

So when one looks at the Astros 63-69 record one doesn't really need to focus on the manager and coaches. Look at the players. That is where games are won and lost. Too many starting pitchers and too many key hitters havs not or are not getting the job done. On Tuesday they added a little defensive meltdown too.

Wistful Thinking

This morning after reading the game story for the Vikings-Texans NFL exhibition (sorry, NFL you don't pay me and I won't call it a pre-season) game and having witnessed the Astros 5-3 win over the Cubs, a wistful feeling came over me. If only....

If only Texan football fans could finally have a team to be really proud of. If only Astro fans had enough starting pitching to go with Roy and Wandy then there would suddenly be a lot right in the world...or at least the corner of the world that is Houston sports.

I suppose I could add an if only... for the Rockets and Dynamo. For the Rockets if only Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady had not become injury prone in recent years. For the Dynamo if only that darn stadium thing could be finally settled and construction could get started.

Of course everyone's lives are full of "if onlys". So I suppose sports should be no different.

I must admit I have not seen a down played by the Texans, but I have read all that John McLain and others have written. I have read many of the responses from fans. And I can't avoid hearing about the team when in town on our four local sports talk stations. (As a baseball guy thats why I do not have a "sports radio habit" but I do have the radio on when driving to and fro.)

From what I surmise if the Texans do show improvement this year it isn't likely going to be a big jump. Sounds like games they win may be close and low scoring. Games they lose may be blowouts due to holes in the defense and an inconsistent offense. Does that sound about right?
They could still have more of those close wins that blowout losses and thus be perceived as a better club than in '08 just not a championship contender.

As I think of what I just wrote the comparison with the Astros comes to mind. Close wins (when Wandy or Roy are pitching) and blowout losses with others. Its unfair to include Brian Moehler in the latter category. He is at least more in the middle. The comparision is still valid.

On Monday night in Chicago with Roy Oswalt on the mound the Astros were good. The got an early lead thanks to some big hits by Michael Bourn and Carlos Lee and rode Oswalts right arm and veteran savvy until LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde could close things out. Hawk was actually touched for a run on a Derrek Lee homer, but that ended a streak of 8 scoreless outings since being reactivated from the DL after his battle with shingles.

Although they lost on Sunday in Arizona Wandy Rodriguez kept the game close. Moehler should be able to do the job on Tuesday although with less total shut down capability than either Wandy or Roy. The problem comes on Wednesday when Felipe Paulino takes the hill. A pitcher with great stuff, but not the command needed to win consistently in the major leagues. Astro fans are always hoping for improvement as they are hoping Bud Norris can again be the pitcher we saw in his first two appearances and Yorman Bazardo is a lot better than he has shown in "the show".

There is no pennant or wild card to contend for this season. There is still something to watch--even if much of it is "spot checking" on FS Houston telecasts. Everyone likes to be an amatuer GM. This is the time to start making your imaginary moves for next season. What would you do?

TV ADVANCE
Carlos Lee who dislikes being a post game interview (TV or radio) has agreed to me my pre game visitor on Astros Live Pregame on Tuesday night. Wednesday I will be talking with Astros GM Ed Wade. Tuesday is a 6:30 start. Wednesday is 12:30 pm for the afternoon game. At Wrigley Field Tweeting does not normally begin till right before game time with lineups. The logistics of getting and and from the pressbox/broadcast booth level keeps trips to and from to a minimum. There are no elevators and either the stands or the ramps must be used to get up and down. A mountain goat would find it easy. When the Astros appear to be possibly winning this also requires my tweeting shut down at least an inning early so I can make the trip down. Those who are only following the game that way are encouraged to head to the Foxsports.com web site's MLB scoreboard page or the MLB.com to follow the remainder of the game if you have no access to the FS Houston telecast.