Well That Was Interesting

Posted on July 14, 2005 by Limey in Limey Time

…says Harold Ramis, climbing out of an over-sized footlocker with Sean Young.

The Astros bolted out of the blocks, taking 5 of the first 6 games. Of course, this was an opening homestand that included 4 games vs. the Reds. Then they went out on the road where the wheels fell off, and they finished April with a 9-13 record. Then things went bad. In May, the Astros fell to a season-low 15-30 record, finishing the month only slightly improved at 19-32.

Jeff Bagwell went on the DL because of his bum shoulder and had to delay surgery due to his Doctor being on vacation (or something). Later, he was quietly proclaimed as being “done” for the year. The Ezequiel Astacio Experiment was ended. Ditto Brandon Duckworth. Berkman was hitting like Jason Lane. Jason Lane was hitting like Chris Burke. Chris Burke was hitting like Luke Scott. Luke Scott was sent back to the minors for hitting like a girl.

It was the end of May, and it was a dark time. But the pitching – oh, the pitching.Read More

Astros show Heart, Even It Up

Posted on July 9, 2005 by mihoba in Game Recaps

After a long, almost three month journey, the Astros returned to an even record at 43-43 by defeating the Dodgers Saturday afternoon 4-2 behind the pitching of first time all-star Roy Oswalt, who earned his 12 win of the season.Read More

Rally comes up short, Astros lose the Silver Boot

Posted on June 25, 2005 by mihoba in Game Recaps

Astros starter Brandon Backe suffered his first loss in 10 career starts at Minute Maid Park, allowing 6 runs in the first three innings and the Astros rally came up a run short against the cross state ‘rivals’, the Texas Rangers of the junior circuit, losing the Silver Boot in the process.Read More

Jeff Juden and Bubba from In the Heat of the Night

Posted on June 20, 2005 by Kevin in Separated At Birth

Another road victory as Astros defeat Royals 6-2

Posted on June 19, 2005 by mihoba in Game Recaps

Roy Oswalt baffled the Royals through 8 innings, allowing 1 run on 7 hits and a walk, to lead the Astros over the Royals Saturday night.Read More

2005 Draft Recap

Posted on June 16, 2005 by Jacksonian in Bus Ride

This draft begins the dawn of a new era for the Astros. This is the first draft in many years headed by a new General Manager. Tim Purpura takes the reigns and will put his first stamp on the long-term health of the organization. The Astros also have a new Scouting Director, Paul Ricciarini. Together, they will attempt to add quality players to a minor league system that has seen a number of bad drafts in the past 5 years.

As has been noted on numerous occasions this is the first draft in 3 years that the Astros have a pick in the first round. Because of the Jeff Kent signing (2003) and the Andy Pettitte signing (2004) the Astros forfeited their first round picks in the indicated draft year. Despite that those 2 year’s drafts appear to be promising. So, the outlook for this year’s draft was quite optimistic.
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