But there's no indication that we're somehow playing over our heads (ala the Reds or Tigers). We're the defending NL champs and we're playing like it. This really shouldn't be a surprise. We're just picking up where we left off last year. Yes, they are for real. I know as Houston fans we've been pre-conditioned to high expectations and low results over the last year because of the Rockets and Texans, but we should stop trying to over analyze everything and just enjoy it. The Houston Astros are very good. Let's just leave it at that.
Perfect! I'm a Seinfeld nut too. Terry Hatcher looked better back then with a bit more weight, don't you think? She looked even better on the TV Superman series.
Oswalt will be the Cy Young winner this year. Pettitte has been less than spectacular and is due for some sort of decline from last year. The back end of our rotation features Wandy Rodriguez, Fernando Nieve, and Taylor Buchholz (who looks good, but hasn't even been in the majors for a month yet, so I reserve judgment on whether we found the next Darryl Kile). Our bullpen has been unequivocally bad. It will improve, but it is by no means dominant. Lidge has been producing, but he hasn't exactly been inspiring confidence. Our offense is not elite, and it is streaky, but we have the firepower to compete. Still, its hard to say whether our offense should improve or not over the course of the year, because Ensberg's and Ausmus/Everett's production is mitigated by Preston's Lane's struggles. Our defense has been shaky, but we should be fine in that area. We have a solid bench with players who know how to fill myriad roles. We are undefeated in one-run games - a stat that has some element of luck and should tend to even out over the course of a long season. We have played relatively weak competition (nothing wrong with that. It means we are beating the teams we should beat). So, yes we are a good team, but I choose to remain cautiously optimistic and I'm not ready to declare us elite yet. The pieces are there, but relying on three kids in the back of the rotation (hell, even if Backe comes back, question marks are still there) tells me that we really need Clemens before I go about regarding this team as for real.
I think the Astros are for real. It seems like after getting to the World Series last year, and losing they have learned what it takes. They playing like they are on a mission. It kind of reminds me of the great start the '94 Rockets had. There will undoubtedly be slumps here and there along the way, but I honestly believe this team learned what it takes to play at the next level. They are developing a winning culture so that everyone who becomes a part of the club, knows what is expected from them.
I'll go ahead and say we're for real, but we haven't faced a team with a winning record yet. The true test will come when we play the likes of the Cards, Cubs, Mets, and Reds.
What makes you say this? Aside from a few errant throws from Ensberg the defense has been extremely good. They lead the major leagues in double plays. Whatever struggles Wilson has had at the plate, he has been very good in left field. Lane continues to play solid defense. Berkman has played remarkably well at first. Biggio has range problems but he makes the plays he gets to.
do you think the offense will stay red hot??? they still need another bat...if clemens came back, that would be nice too
There's a chat with Buster Olney over at ESPN right now. He seems to be a decent mind, so I submitted this exact question to him. We'll see if he answers it....
He's a Yankee fan in disguise of a national media credit. John Kruk = Phillies fan Peter Gammons = Red Sox fan Steve Phillips = fan of only big-money/big-market teams Joe Morgan = Barry Bonds fan The only guys who I can stand at ESPN are the true baseball fans... who love everything and anything about the game, and thus they end up liking every story that comes out (not just the Red Sox/Yankees, Cubs, or Barry Bonds drivel). The short list of that is: Rob Neyer, Jayson Stark, and Harold Reynolds.
This is not me, by the way: Frank Houston,TX: How come you idiot writers never talk about the 'Stros having the best record in Baseball? without Clemens? All I hear is Cubs,Sox,Mets,Yankees...and these clubs all have worse records, with better talent.....you writers are so biased...its disgusting!!!!! Buster Olney: (2:10 PM ET ) Frank: Because we're really stupid. Wondering if it's anyone from here...?
Milwaukee had a winning record when we met them -- IMO, they are much improved this season, and will be one of the tougher opponents in the NL Central.
The Astros are now on a clip to win 117 games. Some would believe that this is their mission and destiny. I say low 90s w/o Roger and high 90s with.
Finally got my question through....it didn't really get answered though. Chalk another vote up for the "Not sure yet" category, via Buster Olney. Sean (Jamestown, NY): Buster, what do you think about the Astros and their great start this year? As an Astros fan, I'm always telling myself they're for real. What do you think? Can they win it all this year, or do they need Roger Clemens to do so? Buster Olney: (2:29 PM ET ) Sean: Talked to Tim Purpura the other day and he mentioned how much of a difference he feels it has made to have A) Berkman in the lineup from the start of the year, and B) Have Ensberg off to a better start; last year, Ensberg had a really rough April. Roger Clemens was at the park the other night, and you know he must notice the difference in the offense. Still think they'll need another hitter to step up sometime this year, maybe the way Lane did at times last year. Maybe Everett will keep hitting.
Exactly. Not one offense in the NL comes close to a middle-of the road team in the AL... that's how big the discrepancy is. Thus, you might as well stock up on arms... it will be the easiest way to win the NL, and will likely give you a better chance in the World Series, given that you'll need tremendous pitching to keep those lineups down.
you just added Preston Wilson...you're not gonna put him on the bench to bring in another bat. Lane is in RF and he's not going anywhere because he's young and needs the AB's. Burke is a nice bat off the bench. CF is taken. Every other position on the field is taken....and the defense is really good. It's easy to say you want to add another bat...but more difficult when you consider where you'd put that bat in the lineup.
