Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt: Slowly Adjusting to New Teams, Lifestyles

Right about now, it’s not easy being Lance Berkman or Roy Oswalt.

Talk about a lost puppy in a big city.

Both former Houston Astros icons are in new cities and with new teams, and both appear to be having a difficult time adjusting to their new surroundings.

Oswalt was rocked in his first start with the Phillies, while Berkman has notched a mere two hits and one RBI since donning pinstripes with the Yankees.

Oswalt’s second start for Philadelphia was much smoother, although still resulting in a no-decision, as the former Astros ace threw 6.1 solid innings in what eventually ended up as a 5-4 Phillies win over the Marlins in 10 innings.

Berkman, meanwhile, has been switched into a role he is very unfamiliar with after spending his entire career in the National League with the Houston Astros: the designated hitter for the New York Yankees.

He has had one opportunity to play defensively at first base for New York, but Berkman’s time on the field will be extremely limited as the Yankees feel the slugger can best be used in the DH role and in the everyday lineup.

And that’s probably true, to be perfectly honest.

Oswalt and Berkman will both be missed in Houston, there’s no doubt about it.

But after those two left town and the Astros have been forced to work with younger talent, the team put together a seven-game win streak—including a 9-4 win followed by a blowout 18-4 win over the Cardinals at St. Louis—before dropping the series finale at Busch Stadium.

It’s a hard pill to swallow, and it’s honestly tough to realistically admit, but the Astros absolutely appear to have a bright future.

In addition, rumors have recently be circulating that Berkman would like to return to Houston after this season if he becomes a free agent.

Will it happen? Doubt it.

But could it happen? Absolutely.

Regardless, the Astros amazingly appear to be heading in the right direction.

Maybe I should begin having more faith in Ed Wade and company after all…

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]