Astros pitching doesn't stink

I never saw this coming. I’m guessing you didn’t either. Astros pitching is decent, even kind-of-sort-of respectable (sort of). Sure, with a 4.48 ERA through Saturday, you’d like to see that lower, but with the Astros offense projected to carry the team, an ERA in the 4’s keeps the Astros competitive.

This leads us to why the Astros are losing, and losing a lot. Simple: they’re not hitting or scoring. Here’s a snapshot of the Astros statistical rankings: 24th in batting average (.250) and 28th (!!!!!) in runs scored (66). It’s too painful to compare to the Pittsburgh Pirates, so I won’t.

The Astros pain at the plate led to an interesting and unexpected opportunity for me. Looking to improve the offensive production, Astros manager Cecil Cooper held open tryouts last week. It seemed appropriate for me to try. Why put a ceiling on my dreams? I did play softball in 5th grade. I still use the same glove – barely bigger than my winter mittens, and stamped with Vida Blue’s autograph on the palm.

The photo here shows Cecil and me talking before my debut. I’m asking if they have helmets that are more flattering as I felt like a bobble head wearing that big thing. So, how did my tryout go? I foul tipped one pitch. I think I’m ready for the big leagues! That is, once I find a cuter helmet.


Why I love Ian Kinsler

Let me count the ways. Ian Kinsler ranks second among all players in home runs (7), and second in stolen bases (also 7). His .348 batting average ranks him 16th, and his .795 slugging percentage is the best in MLB. His RBI production and runs are both fourth best. He does it all. And he makes me feel smarter just for drafting him.

For every Ian Kinsler, there’s a Milton Bradley. Fortunately, fining fantasy owners for player conduct violations hasn’t caught on yet. I’m not sure which is worse – his .043 batting average, or his altercation with an umpire two weeks into the season. Doesn’t he know he should wait until at least May before earning a suspension? This is supposed to be the honeymoon period. Imagine how bad he’ll be when he stops trying. Bradley also called the media liars. Nice.


Who’s hot (and named Mike)

Each week I give a few prospects: who to add, who to watch, blah, blah, blah. But I have to mix this up a bit. I have at least 20 more weeks of baseball blogging (not to mention football). Today, just for fun, I’m only recommending guys named Mike.

Mike Jacobs – the KC first baseman put up great numbers this week, going 11 for 26 (.423) with 4 home runs and 10 RBI. A good addition in mixed leagues.

Mike Hampton – a big surprise to the Astros pitching staff this year. Health could be a concern, but so far, looks strong on the mound with a 3.86 ERA. You may get snubbed in the wins category if the Astros continue to strand runners.

Mike Lowell – his eight-game hitting streak improves his batting average to .328. Boasted six RBI in his game Saturday against the Yankees. Hopefully, he’s just as good against a real pitching staff.

Mike Cameron – steady offensive production with a .310 average, two home runs and two stolen bases. Plus, his name is Mike.

Have a question? E-mail Erin at erskelley@yahoo.com.

Dice K not OK

It was only a matter of time before Justin Masterson joined the Red Sox starting rotation. With a brittle staff, which pitcher he would displace was the only question. With Daisuke Matsuzaka putting together a string of miserable performances, he drew the short straw. His DL designation is convenient for fantasy owners who were struggling with every game he started, but is it believable? When a pitcher puts together back-to-back-to-back poor outings, and then appears on the DL, do you really trust that? Inflammation in the right shoulder? Riiiiiiiiiight. Inflation of the ERA is what I call it. Masterson gets the nod Monday in his place. The young right-hander pitched four innings of scoreless ball, with two hits and six strikeouts in his recent relief effort vs. Oakland. He would have opened the season as a starter on most teams, but the Red Sox were stacked. This so-called injury will be a good break for him.


Who’s hot…

Ricky Romero - yielded only two runs in eight innings in his second Major League start Sunday, improving his ERA to 2.57. Owned in only half of Yahoo leagues.

Jeremy Hermida – Also available in half of Yahoo leagues, Hermida boasts a .316 average with three HRs. No shortage of good outfielders, but he's another good prospect if you're growing impatient with your crew.

Wandy Rodriguez – Still available in 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, he’s off to a fantastic start with a 1.89 ERA. Struck out 10 in his victory over the Reds on Saturday. Hopefully, this year he turns the corner and puts up respectable numbers on the road.


Looking ahead….

Tommy Hanson - Keep you eye on this bright young stud for Atlanta who is currently in Gwinnett. High strikeout-to-walk ratio. Low ERA. Gave mediocre performance today, but look for good things out of this kid.

Brian Barden – Owned in only 6 percent of Yahoo leagues, this utility infielder for St. Louis will get more playing time for the ailing Troy Glaus. Batting .409 with 3 HR.


Marc Vandermeer’s Scramble for Junior Achievement Golf Tournament

Recently, Voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer hosted the 17th Annual tourney for Junior Achievement. Notice, he’s not handing me an award. I had a fun team, but I think next time we’ll cheat, or at least cheat better. I really wanted one of those little plaques to put in my office to impress visitors.


Discount Houston Astros Tickets

Get discounted tickets and help raise funds for research at the Methodist Neurological Institute. Click here to purchase tickets.


Have a question? E-mail Erin at erskelley@yahoo.com.

Loving you in wrong

Drafting a player you hate is never easy. I know many owners who have a list of players they won’t draft in any circumstance. Not ever, ever. For some, it’s cheaters or rivals. For others, it’s hotheads and fist pumpers. And for some, it’s just a “no Yankees” policy. I too thought I had a moral standard on my fake team. That was until 2004 when I drafted nearly the entire St. Louis Cardinals infield with Albert Pujols, Edgar Renteria (that was five teams ago), Tony Womack, plus Jim Edmonds and Chris Carpenter. And why stop there? I even picked up Jeff Suppan during the season. It was embarrassing. I followed that up with Carlos Zambrano in 2005 whom, I believe, is worse than having the entire Cardinals team on your roster. I could barely watch him face the Astros without feeling guilty and disloyal. Although, I did overcome that internal conflict when I won my fantasy World Series. Winning makes everything better. Right, Big Z?

This is me with Sports Radio 610 hosts Rob Costa (left) and Matt Jackson (center) watching March Madness at Buffalo Wild Wings. That’s Matt’s reaction after suggesting we draft David Wright with our first pick (fourth overall). The New York Mets third baseman was on Matt’s undraftable list, but he eventually gave in. I don't hate Wright. The '86 Mets, on the other hand...


Time to add/drop

Nearly a week into the season, we have a sneak peek into some bright prospects and flops. Of course, if you do the math, the Texas Rangers will go unbeaten and Jeff Keppinger will hit 54 home runs this season. (click here if you don’t know who he is).

Still, it’s never too early to add/drop, my favorite part of owning a team. A little studying found these gems who are likely still available in your league:

Cristian Guzman – the Nationals shortstop is off to a great start, hitting .429 with three runs in three games.

Edwin Jackson – impressive start, going 7 1/3 innings, surrendering only one run.

Brandon Inge – already has three HRs this season, and a stolen base. Bonus: this third baseman is also eligible at catcher.

Adam Lind - batting .438 with two HRs and seven RBI through four games.

Kyle Davies - Pitched seven scoreless innings with only five base runners. Owned by only 19% in Yahoo leagues.

Have a question? E-mail Erin at erskelley@yahoo.com.