Here's a list of things that we'll use as motivation to continue paying attention to the Astros, and not drink port, wear a smoking jacket, and take up sailing:
1. July 31. What will keep us on the edge of our seat is what the Astros will do now. The season, for all intents and purposes, is over, so we cast our stare even more toward the future than it already is. Can/will the Astros deal Myers, Bourn, Wandy, Pence, Barmes, Keppinger, or (fingers crossed) Carlos Lee? It's entirely possible that the Astros could trade any of seven players - can, or will, Ed Wade do it?
2. September 1. Who will the Astros call up once the rosters expand to 40? Of course, the events of the rest of July will have an impact on who is on the roster come the end of August, but those on the 40-Man Roster who haven't yet seen time in Houston include: Jimmy Paredes, Luis Durango, and Lucas Harrell. Let's see what happens with the Astros giving some youngsters a shot.
3. September 28. The last day of the regular season. For obvious reasons.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
