The trade deadline has come and passed. The Astros only made one move during the last few days, but it doesn’t involve any new players. The Astros waived SP Russ Ortiz after being shelled by the Chicago Cubs yesterday. I thought this a roster move to make room for someone we’re trading for, but I was mistaken.

A few teams in the division had a very active trading season. The Cardinals added Matt Holiday to protect Albert Pujols after the Astros slowed Pujols a few series ago. Holliday has really paid off with a .500 average including a homerun. The Pirates were very active but not in the way that Pirates fans were hoping for. They sold most of their Opening Day team. Soon they will lose all their loyal fans because they were still in the race. Their fans are starting to think ownership doesn’t care about winning. The Reds acquired Scott Rolen from the Blue Jays. He used to hit very well against the Astros whenever he played for the Cardinals.

Bud Norris will start in place of an injured Roy Oswalt on Sunday against the Cardinals. He looked pretty good in relief against the Cubs. He allowed one hit in 3 innings. Hopefully Roy will only miss one start with his back injury. Lance Berkman has been placed on the DL with a calf injury. I don’t think this will be a long injury because if it was late in the season, Lance has said that he would be playing. Latroy Hawkins is also on the DL with shingles.

All these injuries have hurt the Astros psyche as they have now lost 2 straight series. They will have to recover quickly however going against the Cardinals, who the Astros swept in the first series after the All Star break.

Friday: Moehler vs Boggs
Saturday: Wandy vs Carenter
Sunday: Norris vs Wainwright