Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Astros-Cubs
I'm hesitant to label this week's series with Chcago as a "must win." Houston certainly needs to win, but would dropping two-of-three signal the death knell of the 2004 season? Probably not, since they sit just two games back in the Wild Card race.
Nevertheless, if the Astros want to step us as a true contender, they have to start some sort of a winning streak at some point. Maybe it's tonight. A solid showing against the Cubbies, before hosting Texas in the "We're not Rivals" finale this weekend, would give Houston fans confidence in the team's ability to turn things around in July.
We'll see. Stain predicts a 2-1 Astros win. I'm recusing myself from making any predictions. Pitching matchups look as such:
Tuesday Andy Pettitte (4-1, 3.46) v. Glendon Rusch (4-1, 4.15)
Wednesday Roger Clemens (10-2, 2.73) v. Matt Clement (7-6, 2.98)
Thursday Wade Miller (7-7, 3.35) v. Mark Prior (2-1, 3.28)
At a glance it appears that Houston's first two games look more winnable than the rubber game. But Whitey has pitched well in his last four outings. With Carlos Beltran in the mix, maybe Houston can score enough runs to complement the three quality starts we're all hoping that we get. Again, we'll see. I'm feeling a faint tingle of confidence, but that could be post-Mongolian BBQ heartburn.
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Nevertheless, if the Astros want to step us as a true contender, they have to start some sort of a winning streak at some point. Maybe it's tonight. A solid showing against the Cubbies, before hosting Texas in the "We're not Rivals" finale this weekend, would give Houston fans confidence in the team's ability to turn things around in July.
We'll see. Stain predicts a 2-1 Astros win. I'm recusing myself from making any predictions. Pitching matchups look as such:
Tuesday Andy Pettitte (4-1, 3.46) v. Glendon Rusch (4-1, 4.15)
Wednesday Roger Clemens (10-2, 2.73) v. Matt Clement (7-6, 2.98)
Thursday Wade Miller (7-7, 3.35) v. Mark Prior (2-1, 3.28)
At a glance it appears that Houston's first two games look more winnable than the rubber game. But Whitey has pitched well in his last four outings. With Carlos Beltran in the mix, maybe Houston can score enough runs to complement the three quality starts we're all hoping that we get. Again, we'll see. I'm feeling a faint tingle of confidence, but that could be post-Mongolian BBQ heartburn.
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