While I can appreciate the sentiment that the Astros aren't going anywhere as the moment. Did anyone notice the Astros still scored some runs. The offense is showing some life. If not for the back to back 3 run innings by Buchholtz, it's a different game last night.
I point that out because I'm not so sure offense the primary problem, and definitely not the only problem. As was pointed out, the bullpen has done a nice job as of late, with exception of Lidge. Oswalt and Clemens are doing about as expected. They aren't perfect every night but they are competitive the vast majority of the time and give the team a chance to win. Pettitte has been hot and cold. Add Buchholtz and Wandy, with Wandy showing a strong trend and Buchholtz extreme inconsistancy, although a trend is starting to appear.
More than one person, who usually serve as a good source for inside thinking, has pointed out TB may have earned his ticked back to RR last night combined with Albers doing an outstanding job over 5 innings. If I'm putting money down, I'm betting Albers get's Buchholtz's next start. Backe was not good last time out. The Astros have to be hoping beyond hope that he's still building arm strength and that performance was a just a rough initial outing. Of all the pitchers who have me the most concerned, it's Pettitte. I don't know what's wrong but he's getting hit hard. If he's missing on his pitches, it's not by much. All I know is he's been very hittable. They can take one pitcher in the rotation like that, but 3 is killing the team. From the offense having to mount 2-3 run rallies compouned by the wear on the bullpen, no team will succeed in that situation.
One idea that has crossed my mind is moving Lidge to the DL, if he's injured, or RR. They'll need to figure out what to do with the bullpen, either bring up Hirsh if he's healthy, leaving Albers in the 'pen, or bring up Sampson and see what Albers can do in the rotation. Let Lidge work out his mechanics in RR. The only problem with that is if they think Lidge has a fragile ego. However, if his recent outings haven't done the damage, a trip to RR won't do it either.
Garner can use Qualls and Wheeler to do late and close with Springer, Albers, Miller, and Borkowski to do middle and some late innings. A rotation of Oswalt, Clemens, Pettitte, Backe, and Hirsh is still questionable given the questions about yet another rookie, a guy coming back from injury, and Pettitte not pitching like Pettitte.
