http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/index.jsp?c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Houston Astros News http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3156058&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:50:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3156058&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros ride Rodriguez's gem past Cubs Carlos Zambrano may be an All-Star pitcher, but the Astros got the best of the Cubs' ace on Saturday night with a 4-1 win. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3156360&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:07:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3156360&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Catching predicament looms for Astros With catcher Humberto Quintero nearing a return, the Astros must decide what to do with J.R. Towles. In the meantime, they battle the Astros in Sunday's finale. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3155114&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:49:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3155114&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros place Oswalt on 15-day DL Roy Oswalt underwent an MRI on Saturday morning that confirmed the right-hander is still recovering from a left hip abductor strain he suffered on June 30. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3155768&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:27:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3155768&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros GM aggressively seeking trades With the July 31 Trade Deadline fast approaching, Astros general manager Ed Wade said he has made his club's needs known to the rest of the league. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3155182&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:08:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080719&content_id=3155182&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros careful not to overwork Brocail Doug Brocail is the Astros' oldest player, and he's also their most used from the bullpen. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3149605&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:38:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3149605&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Pence's walk-off double ousts Cubs It was tough going for seven of nine innings for the Astros on Friday night in a 2-1 win over the Cubs. But two frames were all Houston needed for this one, and the last one was the most important. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3152210&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:36:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3152210&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Erstad sees more action against Cubs Darin Erstad will be patrolling center field more often in place of Michael Bourn, beginning against the Cubs in the second-half's opening series. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3148608&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:55:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3148608&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Oswalt '50-50' for his next start Roy Oswalt was still unsure of his situation prior to Friday's game against the Cubs, although he is still slated to start on Tuesday against the Pirates. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3149286&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:34:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3149286&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Quintero to come off DL on Monday Humberto Quintero is expected to come off the disabled list on Monday, but the Astros are waiting for clearance from their doctors on Friday before the catcher can play again. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3148538&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:39:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080718&content_id=3148538&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros reflect on All-Star Game Astros Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman both participated in a very historic All-Star Game, and although they got a little less rest than their teammates, both were honored to be a part of the 15-inning contest. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3144125&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:45:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3144125&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros optimistic about second half A day before the team resumes play following the All-Star break, a few Astros players were at Minute Maid Park for an optional team workout on Thursday. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3145117&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:55:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3145117&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros hope Oswalt can start next week Astros manager Cecil Cooper hopes Roy Oswalt will be ready to pitch next week. The right-hander, who has been out since straining his left hip abductor on June 30, will throw a bit over the weekend before Cooper decides his next start. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3145158&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:05:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080717&content_id=3145158&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros holding playhouse raffle The Astros have teamed up with HomeAid Houston for the second year to raise money to combat homelessness. Krysten Oliphant http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080708&content_id=3094316&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080708&content_id=3094316&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Skipper, GM looking for consistency There's one word that has been thrown around Astros camp more than any other this year: consistency. Houston hasn't had enough of it, and is looking for more in the second half of the season. Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080708&content_id=3093804&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080708&content_id=3093804&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros midterm report The Astros always have been a strong second-half team, but did they dig themselves in too deep during the first half to have a chance to make the playoffs? Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080715&content_id=3138547&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:29:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080715&content_id=3138547&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros duo a big part of the action Lance Berkman hit a sac fly in the sixth, and Miguel Tejada scored on a sac fly in the eighth and had a clutch defensive play for the last out in the 10th, but the AL continued its 12-game unbeaten run with a 4-3 win over the NL in 15 innings. Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3127459&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:25:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3127459&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Astros open second half vs. Cubs After a tough first half, the Astros will have a chance to make up ground on the first-place Cubs when they return to action on Friday at Minute Maid Park. Michael Phillips http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3135075&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:27:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3135075&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou NL pride on Berkman's mind Lance Berkman disagrees with the notion that the AL simply has better players, and in turn, produces a better product. Simply, he prefers the NL way of doing things. Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3135315&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:09:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3135315&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Berkman surprises everyone at Derby Lance Berkman started the first round slowly, but he moved quickly moved into the lead -- briefly -- knocking eight home runs in the first round to advance to the second. Berkman hit six in the second round, but he was eliminated when Justin Morneau hit nine. Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3135360&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:55:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3135360&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Berkman endorses Sheets as NL starter If anyone understands the abilities of NL All-Star starter Sheets, it's Lance Berkman, who has faced the Brewers right-hander several times over the years when the two NL Central rivals meet. Berkman fully endorsed Sheets, suggesting that when the righty is on top of his game, "he's all but unhittable." Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3127451&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:55:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3127451&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Backe does it all in win over Nats Brandon Backe tossed seven-plus shutout innings, collected two hits and scored twice Sunday afternoon to lead the Astros to 5-0 win over the Nationals. Michael Phillips http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3129139&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:33:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3129139&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Berkman likely to bat righty in Derby Switch-hitter Lance Berkman is likely to take his cuts from the right side in the State Farm Home Run Derby on Monday at Yankee Stadium so as not to tinker with his swing from the left side. Alyson Footer http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3134230&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:33:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080714&content_id=3134230&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Carefree prospect drives in six runs Danny Wild http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3127454&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:38:00 EDT http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080713&content_id=3127454&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnerId=rss_hou Moehler to lead Astros out of break With ace Roy Oswalt unable to start Friday due to a strained left hip abductor, the Astros will go with veteran Brian Moehler as the first starter coming out of the All-Star break. Michael Phillips