By Clint B.
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.
So what? The Astros coughed up a division lead. They did the same last year with Chicago. The important thing is the ‘Stros went on a tear in July and cruised to their second straight division title. There’s no reason to think that won’t happen this year. But, some things must be resolved before Houston reclaims their division lead.
1. Trade Bergman, and insert Elarton in the rotation.
It’s been discussed for almost two weeks now in the TalkZone. And, now it has gotten to the point where it shouldn’t just be rumored. The IceBerg is ice cold. He has lost his last three decisions, and hasn’t looked sharp in any one of his starts during that stretch. We didn’t get the high-price pitching because of Scott Elarton. And, when we refused the Blue Jays’ offer last winter to part with him, it wasn’t because we thought he had a bright future in the pen. I know Dierk may not feel comfortable about making a move like that midway through the season, but there’s no way this team can win with both Bergman and Chris Holt in the rotation. A month ago, it was Holt that was the odd man out, but he has looked great his last few starts and finally picked up a win. With Doug Henry just a few days away from rejoining the bullpen, there’s no reason to think that he and Jay Powell cannot serve as admirable setup men for Billy Wagner.
2. Find out which Lima is going to show up.
Sure, he’s still tied for the most wins in the National League, but he’s looked like hell his past three starts. In those three starts, he’s let the freaking Braves get to his head and has failed to shut the opposition down for seven and eight innings like he did during the first two ? months. El Loco is letting his emotions get the best of him, and is not using them to his advantage, which has been the key to Lima’s success this season. Vern Ruhle needs to spend some time with Lima talking, or even singing with him to try and find out what he’s thinking before he takes the mound. Even though Biggio and Bagwell have assumed the team leader roles, Lima’s emotions sometimes are what keeps this team afloat.
3. Take Pride in Playing Against Teams Within the Central.
Even though winning series against big-budget teams like LA and Atlanta may help the ‘Stros publicity, they need to do a better job of winning in their own division. Last week’s sickening showing is a prime example of just how poorly the Astros have been playing against teams in the Central. They are a combined 1-6 against Cincinnati with four games still left with them this weekend. They are a combined 2-4 against the Redbirds who come to the Dome for a three-game set this week. The ‘Stros got punked late in May by the freaking Pirates as they were swept. The Cubs took the very first series at the Dome this season. The last-place Brewers seem to be the only team in which the *Stros can play within this division.
4. Bench Bell, until he learns how to hit again.
This is an issue that also has been floating around the TZ lately. Derek Bell, after having an amazing season last year, has fallen back to mediocrity in ’99. His average is consistently flirting with .250, and his strikeout totals this season have been an outrage. A lot of this has to do with his father-like figure and mentor, hitting instructor Tom McCraw, is away from the team battling cancer, and a lot of it has to do with consistently hitting behind Bagwell in the clean up spot. In the past, DB has said that he is uncomfortable there because of the pressure he feels to produce. When he’s in front of Bagwell he feels he gets more pitches to hit and is less pressured. And, until recently that has been the problem, but in the final couple of games against Cincinnati, Matt Galante realized this and returned Bell to his more likeable spot in the lineup. Hopefully, this helps him out. If not, Galante may have to bench him and play Matt Mieske to serve as a wake-up call to Bell.
5. Hope for some good fortune.
This has absolutely been the most unfortunate year for the Astros in recent memory. Not only have the ‘Stros had to battle problems away from the field with momentary losses of three coaches, but also countless injuries to the players. It all started in February, when Moises Alou’s torn ACL would force Mo to miss most if not all of the year. Then, just after Ken Caminiti had started to find his stroke with his old ball club, he hit the DL. In between those injuries, have been the losses of Ricky Gutierrez, who has since come back, Mitch Meluskey, done for the year, Doug Henry, soon to be back, and Alex Diaz, who is currently on the 15-day DL. At this point, all the Astros can do is pray for the return of these guys to the lineup and to the dugout.
The Astros are still the best team in baseball. Evidence of this is how the ‘Stros are still managing without all the things that have gone right, in which I like to think Ted Turner is responsible for. Despite the ATL owner and his wicked ways, the Astros will kick his and his team’s ass in October, because you can’t keep a good team down.