By Craig Elliott
The Astros seem to be in a Terry Schiavo-like state right now. Common sense says “have mercy and pull the damn plug,” but then a lazy eye seems to follow the balloon for a second or two and you think, “Hey! There MIGHT be an ounce of hope left!” But then reality sets in and you realize that even Terry Schiavo could work a walk from Brad Lidge right now … or at least an HBP.
Maybe Purpura can pull a miracle out of his ass this weekend, but I’m not holding my breath. The thing is, the parts already seem to be here and more or less in working order. It’s just that they don’t seem to work together as a whole. I guess Drayton can throw more money at the problem, but that still doesn’t mean this patient will get up and walk. Much less drive in a run.
Meanwhile … the Diamondbacks just dropped two of three to the Phillies, though they had won their four previous series. They’re three games behind the Padres in the West, and 2.5 games behind the Reds in the wildcard race. Third-baseman Chad Tracy is leading the team in homers, RBIs, hits, and runs, but he also has 93 strikeouts compared to 56 for the next-closest whiffer.
When:
Friday, July 28, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Saturday, July 29, 6:05 p.m. CDT – KNWS
Sunday, July 30, 1:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
MLB Extra Innings – Looks like no broadcast Saturday. Friday’s and Sunday’s games will be on Fox Southwest.
Where: MMPUS
Lots of good promotions again this weekend. Friday will be 70’s Night, so bust out the Rainbow Guts. There will also be Colt Stadium replica giveaways, and of course the usual fireworks (but read the fine print, because it’s doubtful the fireworks will be provided by the Astros’ offense). Biggio figurines will be given away Saturday, and on Sunday it’s Matchbox cars. Sunday will also feature the always-popular Kids Run the Bases event, with an added twist: your youngster can choose to be either walked by Brad Lidge, or hit by a pitch.