Ed Wade commented on the team's lack of...how shall we say...success:
have to keep it all in perspective. At the same time, I wish we could figure out a way to break this streak of slow starts. I don’t believe that’s a formula for success. It’s not like anybody’s accepting of the premise you can get off to slow starts and always fight your way back into things. But you have to recognize we have the next two games in Pittsburgh and go back for somewhat of an extended homestand and can get it straightened out.”
Ahh. It's a valid point. If the Astros can get one tonight, then build on that momentum for tomorrow afternoon's game, then a home stand...thing could turn around quickly.
Let's take a look at some numbers:
The Astros are 25th in batting average and hits
26th in ERA
29th in batting average against.
Batting averages - Miguel Tejada: .269, Lance Berkman: .167, Carlos Lee: .192, and Ivan Rodriguez: .217
But remember, we're talking about 20-30 ABs so far this season. Sure, Lance is hitting .167, but in 24 ABs, that's four hits. If he were to hit his career average to this point in the season, it's the difference in three hits. So has the last week been fun? No. Not at all. I've had a rough couple of days and attribute the beginning of it directly to listening to the Pirates game on Monday.
Will it work out? The Astros are hitting .234 so far, and I don't think 13 Major League position players can sustain that rate of failure over the course of a season. The offense will happen. The pitching...? Wandy has been the ace of the staff so far. Roy will get it together, because he always does. Moehler, until he gets that knee in order, is ineffective. We'll see more of Hampton tonight, and get our first taste of Russ Ortiz in the role he was meant to fill (meaning, "Not Long Relief") tomorrow. It's early, it won't always be like this. But if the Astros keep this up (the 4.5 back in 7 games), it won't matter when they turn it around.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
