GAME 10 - April 9: Yawn...

St Louis 6, Houston 4

Words for the Day: Predictable. Certain to occur; destined or inevitable.

Before the game, every time I read that Chris Sampson was going to pitch, despite being sick with the flu all week, I kept wondering why anyone would think that this would be a good idea. It just seemed pretty obvious that he wasn't exactly going to shine. It could have been worse: He didn't barf on the mound. He made it, gasping, through 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits, a walk and a strikeout. Moehler, Borkowski, and Villareal each gave up a run, to make 6 for the Cards.

Meanwhile, in keeping with 2008 tradition, the Astros paced themselves to stay just a run or two behind them. With a win-loss record of 3-7, the majority of losses (and wins for that matter) are 1 or 2 run deals. While I always find something to like (in this game it was another terrific fielding play by Tejada), I have to admit that it's getting just a teensy bit tedious.

Actually, the Astros' play kind of reminds me of the 2005 World Series - and the first month of the 2005 season too. Which should be a reminder that all is not lost, and they have not yet been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. But in the meantime, I'd bet that the Astros are very glad to have a day off on Thursday - and so am I.

Astros Team Stats for the Season So Far

Batting Average: .221 (29th of 30 in the Major Leagues)
On Base Percent: .275 (29th)
Slugging: .402 (14th)
Batting Average (Opponents against): .299 (29th)
Home Runs: 11 (7th)
Doubles: 21 (1st)
Stolen Bases: 10 (1st)
Stolen Bases Allowed (by opponent): 1 (best)
Strikeouts: 60 (10th)
On Base Percent: .275 (29th)
Double Plays (fielded): 11 (tied for 1st)
Errors: 2 (tied for 2nd best)
ERA: .455 (22nd)
HBP (Astros pitchers): 0 (tied for best)
Wild Pitches: 0 (tied for best)
Hits Given up by Astros Pitchers: 101 (most)

What story do these numbers tell? Pitching isn't too hot - the pitchers are giving up a lot of hits, which accounts for the large number of losses. But the Astros fielding has been quite good, and has saved a number of runs from scoring, which accounts for the close games. Meanwhile, a lineup that was anticipated to be one of the best has been pretty sucky. The team batting average and on base percent are nearly the worst in baseball. But they do have power hitters; when the Astros manage to hit, they are getting lots of extra base hits. And when they get on base, they are running. But then they leave those runners stranded - I couldn't find the team RISP number, but it has to be among the worst.

Oswalt is pitching Friday. Matsui is coming back on Sunday. Let's see how things shape up over the weekend...