Carlos Lee

ros were able to get a solo 5th inning home run by Hunter Pence and a two-run sixth-inning homer by Carlos Lee to beat the Rays 3-2. Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir, with the loss dropped to 6-3 on the season with a 2.03 ERA. Wow, Houston beat a pitcher, and a good one at that. Kazmir gave up four hits and three earned runs in the game to go with two walks and seven strikeouts. Until the fifth inning, he had allowed no runs.

Continue reading "Astros edge Rays 3-2 and win rubber game of series"

l the Astros bullpen came in to pitch batting practice.

During the middle of the game, no less.

Carlos Lee's first-inning three-run homerun went for nought as the Phillies scored a combined 11 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to win 15-6. Astros starter Chris Sampson gave up four runs in five innings, but compared to the relievers, he looked like Cy Young. Fernando Nieve, pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2006, didn't get anybody out as he gave up four runs. He picked up the loss and has a hefty ERA of 18.00. Lefty Wesley Wright gave up one run in an inning and Dave Borkowski gave up six runnings in one inning.

Continue reading "Astros brought down to earth by Phillies"

and brought back most of their core.  Lance Berkman, Kaz Matsui, Miguel Tejada, Ty Wigginton, Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence lead this very balanced line-up.  The key is the health of Roy Oswalt, as it always is.  This rotation is very thin but if Roy can stay healthy and be a CY Young candidate that will go a long way to helping keep things together.  Wandy Rodriguez, Brandon Backe and Woody Williams just are not going to scare people or cut it as the rest of the rotation.  This team needs to attempt to make a move to help the rotation.  The bullpen is also pretty thin but has a very good closer in Jose Valverde.  I didn’t think this team had anything but today when I looked at the roster the talent on this team surprised me.  I am just telling you, in a very bad division this team, granted they stay healthy, could make some noise.

Continue reading "Part II: NL Central"