Viva Valverde

I was afraid that the emotions of being back in Arizona and facing his old team mates might make trouble for Jose Valverde, and for his new team, the Houston Astros. But last night put those concerns to rest. Valverde came in in the ninth with a 6-4 lead. He struck out the side, including Ed Byrnes to finish the game. It was an impressive performance, and it ended a three game skid for the "Stros." That means they will do no worse than split the games on the road trip!

Chacon Shines--Valverde Stinks!

This year's acquisitions by the Houston Astros were supposed to solidify the closer and improve the offense. Tonight indicates that at least the first of those did not work. Shawn Chacon pitched eight innings of shutout ball for the 'Stros. The Phillies had no extra base hits. In the ninth, Jose Valverde came in to close the game. He gave up a lead off homer, hit a batter and gave up a two run homer, tying things up. Brad Ausmus missed a pitch on a strike out, allowing the batter to reach first. The next batter doubled down the third base line. As has been his habit for as long as I have been watching, Ausmus did not block the plate and his swipe tag allowed the runner to score the game winner.

All those Brad Lidge haters may be wishing we could trade Valverde for him soon!