Series Preview: Houston Astros

The Pirates finish their road trip with a three game set in Houston. Obviously, this is a barnburner of a series that features the 15th and 16th best offenses in the National League. At 48-65 the Astros are good enough to be out of the running for the top draft pick, yet bad enough to be playing out the string.

I read on one site that asking a girl to go to the Pirates-Astros game is a good way to tell if she likes you because there's no other way she would go. Hmm, I've been to Pirates-Astros games with a lot of girls so I guess I should have put out.

After iconic Astros Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt were dumped two weeks ago at the non-waiver deadline, Houston has an even less interesting team than before. I know, I know. Rookie Chris Johnson (.361/.388/.548) has been on fire since his recent call-up while Carlos Lee (.248/.295/.401) recently was named worst player in baseball by one blog I read.

Houston Astros - Friday 8:05, Saturday 7:05, Sunday 2:05
Tonight Ross Ohlendorf (1-9, 4.23) faces Brett Myers (8-7, 3.21). Myers was recently signed to an extension and will be the Astros ace through at least 2012. Ohlendorf has only given up 11 runs over his last eight starts and as an added bonus, is the only pitcher in this matchup who never got arrested for publicly assaulting his wife in Boston. My pick is the Pirates.

Saturday, Nelson Figueroa (3-1, 3.38) faces Paul Maholm (7-10, 4.90). Figueroa has exclusively been a reliever so far for Houston, but since it was too hot to go outside, Astros manager Brad Mills was chatting about the Astros with his eHarmony matches and "Angela" informed him that Figueroa has a 1.07 WHIP this season. So he gets his first start here against Maholm, who needs a good finish to end the season with respectable numbers. Maholm always bounces back after a 7+ run start so my pick is the Pirates.

Sunday, Jeff Karstens (2-8, 4.39) faces Bud Norris (4-7, 5.63). Bud Norris is one of those guys who you think should get it together due to his K rate (over a batter an inning) but never can because he's awful. He gave up seven runs on the way to a 12-6 loss last month at PNC Park. My pick is the Pirates.