Within Striking Distance: Houston Astros Look To Stay in NL Central Race

At the beginning of the season, nobody really expected the Astros to be where they are right now. On paper, they had several obvious strengths and weaknesses.

The lineup, offensively and defensively, looked strong. With Hunter Pence, Lance Berkman, and Carlos Lee filling up the middle of the order, run production did not appear to be an issue. Michael Bourn would need to step up in the leadoff role and continue his Gold Glove caliber defense in center field.

Pitching would be a different story. Perennial ace Roy Oswalt would be the anchor to a pieced together pitching staff that featured Russ Ortiz, Mike Hampton, and Doug Brocail. Wandy Rodriguez would have to prove himself as a worthy No. 2 starter as well.

Through 72 games and approaching the All-Star break, the season thus far has been true to form for the Astros with a few surprises.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that the Astros are currently four games behind the division leading Milwaukee Brewers. Only two games under .500, the Astros just seem to find ways to win ball games, and lose them.

Pitching was not viewed as a strength for the Astros this year, but several players have stepped up. Wandy Rodriguez has been stellar at times this season, posting a 3.35 ERA and a team-high six wins.

Russ Ortiz has proven himself valuable in many different roles. He has been a starter as well as a long and short reliever. In 17 appearances, Ortiz has a 3-3 record along with a 3.47 ERA.

Filling in under a similar role has been Felipe Paulino. He has been a starter as well as a force out of the bullpen. His electric fastball is surely something the Astros will need if they look to make a run for the playoffs.

Oswalt has struggled immensely this year, winning only three games through 16 starts. The Astros need their ace to turn it around and lead the team and pitching staff the rest of the season.

Offensively, the Astros have been ignited by Michael Bourn and driven by Miguel Tejada. Bourn is hitting an even .300 with 42 runs scored and 25 stolen bases. Tejada has paced the Astros with a team high 97 hits along with 41 RBI.

Although Berkman had a sluggish start, he has begun to come around. He is tied for the team lead in RBI (44) and has slugged 16 home runs. His average is still low (.255), but hitting in the fifth spot in the order may help him increase his batting average.

Pence is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Houston, and his numbers speak for themselves. In just his third Major League season, Pence is hitting .317/10/31. Look for Hunter to help surge the Astros into the postseason.

After the All-Star break, the Astros must win at home and play at least .500 ball on the road.

Historically, the Astros play sub .500 baseball before the All-Star break and make a late run for the Wild Card in September. They fell 3.5 games short of the Wild Card last season. If they can stay within a few games of the NL race, their usual late season push could possibly win them a postseason spot.

In order to stay in the hunt, the Astros must pitch and play defense. The old adage "Defense Wins Championships" comes to play here. They are currently fourth in the majors with an impressive .987 fielding percentage.

In order to bolster their starting rotation, the Astros may need to feel out the starting pitching market around the trade deadline. Perhaps there could be a few bench players or bullpen pitchers available to use as trade bait later this season.

It may be wishful thinking, but this writer believes that the Astros still have a very good chance of making the playoffs. With several teams ahead of them playing well below expectations, look for the 'stros to creep up in the standings later this summer.