While Oswalt is having a down year by his standards, many pitchers would not mind having his 2007 numbers. Take the Astros vs. the struggling Willis. They say a Major League team is only as good as its best starter, and that has certainly been true for the Houston Astros and their right-handed ace, Roy Oswalt. As Oswalt struggles through his worst season since he came into the league in 2001, the Astros are also struggling with a 46-61 record, and are on pace to lose 92 games this season. That would be the most since all the way back in 1991, when Houston was on the wrong end of the score 97 times. Almost guaranteed a losing season in 2007, this would only be Houston’s third since that ’91 season.
Not that Oswalt has been as bad as the team has been this season mind you, as most major league pitchers would give their non-throwing arm for the kind of season he is having. However, his ERA and walks are up and his wins and strikeouts are down, which is never a good thing. As much as Oswalt has struggled this year, it is nothing compared with the problems that Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis has had. The veteran southpaw has had a truly forgettable season, and it does not get any easier for him here, as he will be facing an Astros lineup that has been scoring more runs lately, especially against lefties. Houston’s offense is hitting 28 points higher against southpaws than right-handers (.278 vs. .250). The Astros also have enough confidence that Brad Lidge has returned to his old closer form that they traded Dan Wheeler away before the deadline. So far, the new Lidge has not let them down and the Houston bullpen has been solid, so take the Astros.

For free baseball picks and to listen to an hysterically funny and informative daily webcast please visit us atwww.madwinners.com
SPECIAL OFFER: Pay just $39 and get all plays in all sports for 30 days!!!