Could That Have Been Roy's Good-bye?

Roy Oswalt pitched as fine a game as he has thrown in ten years as a Houston Astro on Thursday afternoon. He allowed only a first inning single and no runs in a complete game 117 pitch outing.

It also could have been the last time Astro fans will see him pitch at home in a Houston uniform. He won because a player whose career he has been linked to for those ten years, Lance Berkman, hit two solo home runs to provide the only offensive production of the game. Houston won 2-0 to sweep the series with the Pirates.

Both Roy and Lance may be on short term leases by the Astros. Both are available for trade. Oswalt except for the amount of money still owed on his contract might have already been gone. Berkman now that his bat has heated up may also find renewed interest in his skills by a club that is lacking one piece to be a strong pennant threat.

Should one or both of them cease to wear Astro colors in a few days or weeks no one should overly lament their passing from the scene. That is the way of baseball. Veteran players move aside either by retirement, trade or free agency to open the doors for the next generation.

Oftentimes the next generation doesn't live up to the level of the previous one. Sometimes it is better. No one knows for sure in advance. It always seems like a risk. Yet, playing careers slow down and end regardless whether the next group of players are as good or not.

Jeff Bagwell moved on..Lance Berkman moved in and has manned the first base position very well for the past six or seven years. Craig Biggio's skills declined and while Jeff Keppinger has done a fine job this season and others have manned the position adequately no one has replaced the level of play provided by Biggio or for two years, Jeff Kent.

The Astros have had a number of outstanding starting pitchers. Some lasted some did not. Roy has lasted. Two more wins and he would become the winningest Astro of all time surpassing Joe Niekro.

Time is running out on that goal if he does get traded before July 31st. His next two starts will be on the road. If he is still an Astro he would pitch again at Minute Maid Park on July 27th. Will he still be here then?