So, those Reds traded Ryan Freel, eh? Might actually be a decent move, I suppose, but against the backdrop oft he cluster that is Dusty Baker’s management, it’s hard to see this move as anything other than more of said cluster.

In any event, the massive level of annoyance that it aroused in the Red Hot Household was enough to shake us from our three-month long podcasting malaise. This ought to motivate us for at least a couple months, at which time I guess they’ll have to trade Brandon Phillips to the Nationals in order to raise my ire enough to create more audio content.

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Boxscore

Brad Ausmus played his final game as an Astro yesterday in the final game of the 2008 season. Ausmus provided his team with all the runs they’d need, knocking his 3rd ball out of the park for the year, a 2-run dinger.

Wandy Rodriguez pitched 7 innings and allowed 0 runs to pick up his 9th win. Jose Valverde saved his 44th game.

Houston finished the season in 3rd place, a half game in from of the Cardinals. Their late charge for the wild card was derailed by probability and a hurricane, but the team played better than I guessed. We’ll see how they attempt to rebuild for next year. There are some expensive free agent pitchers that’ll be available, and given the depleted nature of the Astros farm system, I expect Houston to be actively signing players.

Boxscore

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

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.

Boxscore

The Cubs lost their 5th game in a row and were swept by the Astros, all in the same game. One could jab at the Cubbies for collapsing down the stretch, but it’s not like the Brewers or Cardinals have taken advantage of Chicago’s losses. The Cubs remain 4.5 games in 1st place.

Of course, with Carlos Zambrano facing an MRI and an indeterminate future for the rest of the season and the lack of a pulse from the once-mighty offense, perhaps it is time to worry. After all, if you lose 5 games in a row in the playoffs, you’re toast.