I'm at a loss. I can't figure what's wrong with my 'stros. They can't catch a break. I know the umps missed a bunch of calls, during the game, I attended last Sunday. Will they win the wild card? Or should they kiss this season good-bye?

Yeah Im bummed too. Theres still plenty of games left, and they have the marquee pitchers to help them down the stretch. But I dont have the same belief that I did last year when they were so far behind. Even though they are only 5-8 games out, I think it will be harder this year.

I think their problem with scoring runs is even more glaring this year, or at least it seems so. Yes, they have the pitching, certainly one of the better in the NL, but the run support is a problem. It was in the 18 inning game when the Astros had men on base in most of the extra innings, but couldn't score. The Cubs, on the other hand, had very little men on the base paths, but when they had a chance they took the lead. And in yesterday's game, it was very well pitched by Pettite, who just gave up the home run. But the Astros couldn't score any runs against a pitcher just up from the minors who walked at least one guy an inning. Until the Astros do something about that, it's going to be tough to make any headway and climb over a lot of teams (who do score a lot of runs) to get to the playoffs. I just don't see it happening.

Anthony

COuld it be the scouts fault? I notice that everytime the Astros play a new team (like an American) or a new pitcher, they lose. It's like they don't know what to expect. Losing 5 games at home, just isn't going to cut it.

Missed most of today's game, but looks like it was more of the same. Great starting pitching performance (it took Andy long enough), but the powder keg bullpen gives it away. Ugh.

I think they need a good batting coach. They have the good looking players that are easy on the eyes. But pretty is as pretty does.

They looked even hotter on their day off. They attended a gala. The news showed some of them, wearing tuxes. Brad Ausmus looked as gorgeous as ever. Aubrey Huff, Chris Burke and Mike Lamb were shown. I wish I knew how to get some pics from that event.

They suck.

Well, AstroFan, no need to fear....Roy Oswalt is here! I hope he's worth $73 million. I don't think this season is a true indication of his talent. In '04 and '05 he posted consecutive 20-win seasons. This season appears to be an aberration. In addition, he's not even 30 years old. With today's athletes extending their careers (see Julio Franco and Roger Clemens), I don't see why Roy wouldn't be able to live up to the heightened expectations.

Well, Mr. Twinsfan, what do you think?

Didn't they try to trade Oswalt before the July 31st deadline? I wonder if signing him to this extension will make that easier in the future -- or more difficult, if teams don't want to be saddled with that contract.

The Astros did indeed try to move Oswalt prior to the trade deadline (allegedly Roger Clemens told the Astros they had to do something and moving Oswalt was "something" they decided to do) much to Oswalt's disapppointment. He seems to have gone from disposable to desired in the space of one month.

~Adam

As much as I'd like to spend a weekend with Brad Ausmus, possibly with both of us covered in oil, the 'Stros ought to think about having a catcher who isn't the worst hitter at his position in the majors next year.

I'm not sure why Oswalt would want to resign with the Astros. He would command top dollar and play be able to play wherever he wanted. Now maybe he really loves Houston and wants to be loyal to the organization (though why when they tried so hard to trade him). But they probably won't have Clemens back next year (at least not for a full season), Pettitie is on the way down and the offense is beyond pathetic. They aren't winning anything for a long time.

It's about time the Astros started to make a move. I'm glad they seem to have got their groove back. I hope Bagwell is cheering them on. Now, if they can only have a nice long winning streak, they could coast into the playoffs.

well, it looks like another comeback year for the astros. here's hoping things continue to go their way and St. Louis falls on their butt.

Craig Biggio: welcome to the 3,000 hit club.

It was a great night for the team. Not only did Biggio hit his 3000th, but he was directly responsible for the team winning the game in exciting fashion. I watched the game (not an Astros fan, but it was the only game on last night when I got home from work) and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. As for the Rockies, that is their closer's third blown save in three nights. One would wonder why their manager had him out there to begin with.

Anthony