With the 2008 All-Star Game approaching in two weeks, ball clubs and fans alike glance back at the unofficial first half of the season to gauge successes and create a to-do list, hoping to reach the glorious stage of the playoffs.
Therefore, faithful Astros fans look at their team’s 2008 progress report not so much with a grin and a humble heart, but more of a grimace and a bit of indigestion.
No, there hasn’t been much to talk about regarding the "Good Guys" during the last three months. The team’s 42-50 record is nothing to brag about, nor is the fact that they are dead last in the National League Central division.
The most obvious problem the Astros have weathered this season is their lack of pitching, inherited from the 2007 campaign. Manager Cecil Cooper has been equipped with a pitching rotation that has caused more trouble than good over the last 90 games, with or without the infamous Shawn Chacon choke slam.
Houston ace Roy Oswalt is off to the worst start of his career. With a 7-8 record and a 4.60 ERA, Oswalt has given up 59 earned runs over 18 starts, allowing 18 homers. During the last three years, "Roy O" hasn’t given up more than 18 home runs a season.
Brandon Backe and the long ball are quite familiar with each other at the season’s halfway point. With a 5-9 record, Backe has given up 22 homeruns during the course of 18 games and his ERA is at 5.22. Now with the bullpen faltering, hope is dwindling.
Any light at the end of the tunnel comes from the duo of Wandy Rodriguez (3-3) and Brian Moehler (5-4). Both have proven themselves valuable to a rotation without consistency or a strong foundation. After coming off the disabled list, Rodriguez has pitched strongly, giving up only 25 earned runs in 12 starts. When this kid’s curveball is working, he spins quite the web, leaving opposing batters in disrray.
Since taking on the starting role, Moehler has recorded more quality starts than anyone, including one against a hard-hitting Red Sox team.
On the offensive side of things, Houston is a team that could and probably should go much farther than they are now.
First baseman Lance Berkman is having what could be a career season. A possible triple-crown threat, the "Big Puma" is batting .348 with 112 hits and 22 homeruns.
Shortstop Miguel Tejada has been everything the Astros hoped for and more. Since making the transition to the National League, Tejada has proven himself to be worth his trade weight, batting .277 and driving in 44 runs. The only thing more valuable than his bat is his glove.
Left fielder Carlos Lee still swings a hot bat in Houston, hitting just under .300 and sending 21 over the fence on his way to recording 72 RBI’s.
Despite their offensive contributions, the Astros still struggle to chalk up more wins than losses. After finishing their last series in Atlanta, Houston finds themselves eight games below .500. They are only 22-21 at home and 20-29 on the road, making it evident that the Astros still get homesick when they leave the confines of Minute Maid Park.
Houstonians, however, can still look forward to the second half of Astros’ baseball. The 2008 All-Star Game in New York will see at least two Astros suit up for the last ASG at Yankee Stadium. Berkman is the starting first baseman for the NL while Tejada is on reserve. Lee is also a candidate to make the roster.
The second half will also see a scrappy Houston team continue to play until the last out is recorded. One of the major differences in this year’s ball club is their ability to stay in the game with early and late game productions.
A repeat of the feat they pulled off in 2005 may be out of reach, even if they get to .500 before the break, but for a team in its rebuilding stages, a winning record is just as important.
