Testing 123... 123 Games, That Is

I never count the Astros out until they are actually mathematically eliminated, having seen this team turn around losing seasons in nearly miraculous ways. However, I don't actually pay that much attention to the standings when the team is under .500. While it's possible for a division lead to have a losing year, it's just wrong for a team with a losing record to go to the playoffs. So, as the Astros have been bumbling around under the .500 mark recently, it didn't make that much difference to me who else wins or loses.

The recent 4 game winning streak has bumped the team to one game under, and given me a bit more interest in the standings. It's not a pretty sight - even though could be tied for second in the Central Division by the end of the day, they are still a hefty 9 games behind the Cards and almost as far back in the wild card race. We can pretty much write off the wild card - it would not only require an amazing run by the Astros, it would also depend on al the teams above to suddenly go south. But with 40 or so games left to play, once the Astros pass the Cubs, the only team between them and the playoffs is St Louis. First, however, they need to get to .500.