Amazing thing. Houston starts off the second half taking two of three from the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs, causing some think that maybe good things were in store.
And then reality came crashing down. Houston was swept by fellow cellar dweller Pittsburgh, today losing 8-7. Houston is now in sole possession of last place in the division. Only the most optimistic (and perhaps high) Astros fans would really believe the team has a shot at the post season. Not with starting pitching that's getting torched, and not with Roy Oswalt's struggles. Not with Jose Valverde blowing saves. And not with the offense suffering its typical decades-long battle to get clutch hitting.
