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KTE: Astros

SwitchHitter Jul 28 2005 03:35 PM

The Astros are only one game behind Washington in the wild card and two games ahead of the Mets entering this four-game series. New York has taken four of six from Houston so far this season. The Astros have won four straight after finishing off a three-game sweep over the Philadelphia Phillies, as Roger Clemens beat the Phillies 3-2 on Wednesday. The Astros beat Philadelphia for the ninth straight time and improved to 18-2 in their last 20 games at home. Who's hot: Craig Biggio has hit 3 HR in his last three games, including going back-to-back with Lance Berkman twice on Monday. Lance Berkman has an 11-game hitting streak during which he's been batting .442. He's .317 for the season. Orlando Palmeiro is batting .325 in 2005, much better than was expected at the start of the season. Willy Taveras, who replaced Carlos Beltran in CF, is batting .295 and has 24 SB. Who's not: Mike Lamb is a career 0-for-11 vs. Pedro Martinez and is batting .219 against the league. Pitching matchups for the series: Thursday, Pedro Martinez (12-3, 2.79) vs. Ezequiel Astacio (1-4, 8.24). Astacio was called up to replace Brandon Backe, who's been put on the 15-day DL with an intercostal strain. Pedro should have no trouble winning this one. Friday, it's Kris Benson (7-3, 3.14) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (5-4, 6.18). This looks like another win for the Mets. Saturday, it's Tom Glavine (7-8, 4.69) vs. Andy Pettitte (8-7, 2.73). Pettitte is 2-0 with an .086 ERA in his last three starts, so this one doesn't look good for the Mets. The series finale on Sunday has Kazuhisa Ishii (3-9, 4.69) vs. Roy Oswalt (14-8, 2.33). Oswalt's last start was a CG SHO where he only gave up 1 run and in his last three he's 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA. Another problematic game for the Mets. Ours & Theirs: The only former Astro on the Mets roster is Carlos Beltran. The Astros have Jose Vizcaino and Dan Wheeler who used to be Mets. Who's out: Jeff Bagwell had surgery on his shoulder in June and may not be back. Brandon Backe is out with an intercostal strain. Interesting stat: Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte have combined for 425.1 innings, more than half of the IP by the Astros. During that time, they've compiled a combined ERA of 2.16.

metirish Jul 28 2005 03:39 PM

Good job SwitchHitter, I'd take a split.

cooby Jul 28 2005 03:47 PM

Annie, how do you think the crowd will react to Beltran?

Edgy DC Jul 28 2005 03:47 PM

Vizcaino will be a Dodger by the end of the weekend. His fate is simply tied to that of Jeff Kent.

SwitchHitter Jul 28 2005 04:02 PM

Well, there's a split between those folks who want to cheer him because of the memories and to show him that we treat him better than he gets at home and those who want to boo him for selling out. I dunno which will be louder. On Saturday, I'll be standing near the pump with a sign that says "Carlos who? Our CFer is #1!" This is because Taveras wears #1 on his back and, although I'm in the cheering Beltran camp, I want to let Willy know I love him, too.

MFS62 Jul 28 2005 04:03 PM

]intercostal strain Can one of our medical mavens please explain whatthat is? I've only heard the term intercostal in sentences followed by "waterway". Is it some kind of urulogical problem? Later

Elster88 Jul 28 2005 04:04 PM

]I want to let Willy know I love him, too. Fans showing love and support to their team? Texans (Houstonites?) are weird. ]"So this is the planet Hoos-ton?" --- General Zod

Johnny Dickshot Jul 28 2005 04:16 PM

That Dan Wheeler is alright. I can't recall what the cirumstances surrounding his trade -- for Adam Suess, Whoville steroid abuser -- but I thought it was a 40-man roster thingy. Anyone remember?

metirish Jul 28 2005 04:25 PM

I don't remember but Google does...from Mets.com.. ]7/21/04 Purchased the contract of 3B David Wright from Triple-A Norfolk, designated C Tom Wilson for assignment and optioned RHP Dan Wheeler to Triple-A Norfolk. Dan was up and down to Norfolk 3 times before this happened.. ]8/27/04 Traded RHP Dan Wheeler to Houston for minor league OF Adam Seuss, who was assigned to Class-A St. Lucie; Recalled RHP Jae Seo from Triple-A Norfolk.

Edgy DC Jul 28 2005 04:28 PM

Yeah, I think it was a roster pinch. It's a shame, because it was August 27, giving Whoston just enough time to get him onto their post-season roster, but apparently the Mets couldn't wait four days to effect whatever activation had to happen. Not so good.

Rotblatt Jul 28 2005 04:32 PM

I always liked Wheels. I don't remember the circumstances around the trade, but I think we sent him down to make room for Wright around the same time.

SwitchHitter Jul 28 2005 05:23 PM

MFS62 wrote: ]intercostal strain Can one of our medical mavens please explain whatthat is? I've only heard the term intercostal in sentences followed by "waterway". Is it some kind of urulogical problem? Later Rib cage.

Gwreck Jul 28 2005 07:42 PM

Oswalt on Sunday is due for a little justice from his plunking of Floyd when the Astros were in town, and the plunking after Floyd's last big HR off him. Might be too long ago for people to be real mad about it.

Edgy DC Jul 28 2005 10:25 PM

Welcome, Gwerk.