The biggest question mark entering the season was starting pitching. There have only been two bad starts so far. That’s a pleasant surprise, but what is not pleasant about that is that both of those starts came from staff-ace Roy Oswalt. You would like to believe that Oswalt is the ultimate pro and that he will work his way through this rough patch, but knowing that he complained of having a tired arm in Spring Training causes great concern.
Berkman, who's recently been having neck problems, is feeling a little
better... but not enough to play.
Last night I was like, 'This thing is starting to feel better.' Then I turned my neck a certain way and it was - I wouldn't call it paralyzing - but it certainly sent a jolt and I was like, 'Oh, no.' But I've got a lot more flexibility. I can turn my neck a little further than I could yesterday.
Today is the home opener against division-rival St. Louis and Wandy Rodriguez takes the hill where he is clearly more comfortable than on the road. Last year he had a 2.94 ERA at home, while sporting a 6.37 mark on the road. Hopefully he continues his home magic, which is likely if he can keep Cardinals’ slugger Albert Pujos in the ballpark.
The injury bug has already started to bite the Astros, but it seems as if none of them are too severe. Third baseman Ty Wigginton has a finger injury and first baseman Lance Berkman has missed a couple of games due to neck spasms. Both are expected to be back in the lineup as early as today.
Those types of injuries are the ones that would make me cringe if I were a manager. They aren’t serious enough to place the players on the disabled list to free up a roster spot so you just have play the games with a short bench. Then again, it never hurts to get the 24th and 25th players on the roster some playing time.
It’s exciting for baseball to be back in Houston and hopefully the winning ways return.
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