You must be joking...

Phil Garner's idea of pulling Brad Lidge from the closer role is putting him into a tie game in the bottom of the 8th on Friday, then following that by going to him the very next day trailing 4-2 in the 6th. Lidge gave up runs in both outings and looked absolutely awful doing it. There is not a single thing new about that. And in both cases Lidge cost them the game.

Memo to Astros management - It's late AUGUST, not APRIL. Now is now the time to try to get Lidge right or try to get his confidence back. Nor has it been for the last four months as he

I'm starting to wonder just what exactly is going on with Garner and GM Tim Purpura. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting their intent to win, but you have to question their ideas on exactly how to get that done.

Roy Oswalt got hit on the hand 5 days ago and they knew it was extremely likely he would be unable to make his start on Saturday. And all eveidence suggest the team did nothing to prepare for that contingency. Calling up Wandy Rodriguez for the start is simply inexcusable. He was poor all season for the Astros and he was even worse in the minors after he was demoted. Throw Borkowski. Rest Matt Albers accordingly and make sure he's available. Call up Sampson and try to piece things together for 9 innings. Heck even Buchholz seems like a better option. You are in the race, make better decisions. Give the guys a chance.
-- WEX