Wednesday, October 19, 2005

ASTROS WIN!

Oh, me of little faith. Pass me that heapin' helpin' of crow, and make the dessert a nice slice of humble pie. Looks like Pujols' homer in the fifth game put a stake in my heart, but not the hearts of the Astros. Tonight it was the Cards who looked listless and distracted, while the Astros went out and played ball. World Series in Houston? I would never have believed it.

Biggio and Bagwell in the big show at last. The irony is that Bagwell didn't do a thing to help the team get there, after all he's done over the years. I hope they'll use him as the DH in the games in Chicago. It would be a nice gesture.

6 comments:

Cap'n Bob said...

I was glad to see the Astros win, even if it did wreck my "whoever wins the 5th game wins the series" theory. (Actually, it happens more often than not.) That said, I'm pulling for the Pale Hose in the series. Would you care to make a gentlemanly wager on the outcome?

Anonymous said...

Put me down as another shamefaced doubter. I forgot that LaRussa can't win The Big One without divine intervention (earthquake).
Art Scott

Jayme Lynn Blaschke said...

On the plane flight to Houston, some of the Astros players started shouting. When Brad Lidge asked what was the matter, they said Pujols' homer almost hit the plane. :-) Yeah, I think they were pretty loose!

I've heard, but haven't actually seen in print, that Garner's already said Baggy is the DH in the series. You almost have to think that gives the 'Stros an advantage, since it adds the decent bat of a guy who can't field to their lineup. Even tho I still hate the DH concept with a passion.

Dave Zeltserman said...

I was glad to see Houston win if for no other reason it will keep Lidge from being another suicide candidate like the guy from angels who blew the pennant for them back in 86. I like Houston in the Series - Chicago has no one who matches up to Oswalt.

James Reasoner said...

I'm rooting for the Astros in the series, but I'm afraid the Sox' starting pitching may be better, and that's usually the difference in a seven-game series. That said, Oswalt is really, really good. Too bad he can't pitch every game. Actually, I wouldn't be too surprised to see it all come down to how well Bakke pitches.

Jayme Lynn Blaschke said...

Gotta disagree with you there, James. I'll give the Sox a modest edge in hitting. But the Astros have a like edge in pitching. Sure, there's no drop-off across four with the Sox, while Backe is the weak link for the 'Stros (although he's sure pitching over his head right now) but Clemens, Oswalt and Pettite are each arguably better in a 1-to-1 matchup. The ChiSox don't have a Chris Carpenter on their staff. Throw in Qualls, Wheeler and Gallo--any of whom could be a closer on some other teams, and you've got a bullpen equal to anyone, and better than most. I'm still not convinced that Lidge is better than Billy Wagner, but he's darn close.

I expect a bunch of one run games. A bunch of extra inning affairs wouldn't surprise me, either.