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The Astros shut out the Reds last night. The disappearance of the Reds offense was somewhat suspicious. I’m not one to toss out conspiracy theories, but letting the Astros win did keep them in the wild card race. Theoretically.

Ramon Ramirez started for the Reds, and he did well: 5 innings, 2 runs, and 4 strikeouts. All the focus on drafting quality pitchers over the course of this millennium seems to be paying off, as Cincinnati’s system is stocked. I’m trying to feel optimistic about it, but it’s hard with Dusty Baker there.

For example, look at Houston. Here’s a team that doesn’t have the parts to win or contend. Yet here they are at the end of the year with a winning record and not being eliminated from playoff contention until the last few days. The Reds best them in talent, but not in wins, the only thing that really counts.

So hopefully, Walt Jocketty can find Luck available in the free agent market this year. The Reds are going to need it.

Boxscore

Aaron Harang has had a tough year. From the team refusing to score runs when he was on the mound, to coming back to soon from injuries, to being overworked by Dusty Baker, this just wasn’t Harang’s year. That’s why I’m happy to see him putting several solid starts together to close out the season and inching that overrated win stat closer to something not so embarrassing.

Not that Harang had a great start. He allowed 4 runs in 7 innings, his worst start since his too-early return from the DL in the middle of August. But he actually got some run support and a win. That’s nice to see.

What’s not nice to see is his 122 pitches. This just a month after coming off the DL. Damn, but Baker’s clueless.

Harang has one more start before the season ends. Let’s hope the Harangutan gets his 7th.

Boxscore

Remember when the Reds hired Dusty Baker because he was a proven winner? (I still haven’t gotten the smell out of my clothes from that bull crap.)

Well, Baker proved that statement false, as so many knew he would. The Reds lost their 82nd game yesterday, cementing them as a loser for 2008. That’s, what, 8 years now? Look out Pittsburgh!

For Baker, it’s now his 3rd losing year in a row. I expect at least 1 more, 2 should the Reds insanely not fire him sometime next year.

As for the game, Edinson Volquez looked tired and overworked. It’s a good thing the Reds manager is renowned for his delicate care with young, still-growing pitchers.

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With Ben Sheets starting, the Brewers had to feel good about finally getting a win to help stop the recent skid. Well, they won, but they lost Ben Sheets.

Sheets lasted only 2 innings before leaving with an elbow injury. Right now, it looks like there’s more Tommy in his future than playoff appearances.

Still, the Brewers offense finally showed up. It helped that Marquis de Suck was “pitching” for the Cubs. Nothing like a little gasoline to help a fire get going.

The win keeps the Brewers one half game back of the wild card. The Cubs keep their commanding first place lead.

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The Astros continue to play with house money in their improbable charge for the playoffs. What was it? Just last month when the Central was divided into the haves and have nots? Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis all sat in the top three spots, distanced from the bottom half of the division by a double digit lead in games. Not anymore.

Houston has had as improbable and unexpected last few weeks as St. Louis did the beginning of the season. Only, it counts more at the end.

Miguel Tejada was the hero yesterday, belting a grand slam in the 5th inning to deliver Brian Moehler his 11th win on a silver platter.

Houston passed the Cardinals, who lost to the Cubs, for sole possession of 3rd place, and now are tied for second in the National League wild card race with Philadelphia, 4 games behind the Brewers.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting end to the season. Of course, the Pirates and the Reds both have nothing to do with that excitement.