By Taras Bulba

Padres (54-46) at Astros (44-57)
Minute Maid Park
AKA “The Juice Box”

Thursday, July 26, 7:05pm-FSN
Friday, July 27, 7:05pm-FSN
Saturday, July 28, 2:55pm-FOX!!!
Sunday, July 29, 1:05pm-KNWS

Los Padres begin a four game pasear with our boys, feeling a little out of kilter after losing two out of three to Colorado and seeing their setup man and Morgan Ensberg’s illicit love interest, Scott Linebrink, shipped to the Brewers.  They’re sitting one game back of the Dojers in a tight NL West race and could be feeling just a tad bit of the old pre-stretch drive pressure in taking on a Houston club that appears to be playing a little looser these days.  All-star righthander Chris Young may be headed for the DL, adding further complications to their current watery bowels.

The just completed series victory by the Astros over the division leading Dojers is arguably the highlight of the thus far dismal 2007 campaign.  After a brutal butt kicking by Jeff Kent and the Angelinos in the first game, Houston rallied for thrilling wins in games two and three behind B-G-O’s epic slam and El Caballo’s all around display of hitting, fielding, and thievery on the basepaths.  As encouraging were Jennings’ suck up and pitch performance in game two and Albers’ display of some serious stuff with great command in game three, along with Lidge bringing the filth on both nights.  Good times.  Though PENCE!!! and Everett are down and Oswalt needs a jump, it’s never too late to spoil someone’s party and the next four games present a wonderful opportunity to do just that.

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