Well... fuck

Another depressing loss in a series of depressing losses. At this point, the dream is dead. Here is the list of milestones I will be watching for until the end of the Astros' season:

1) Berkman's homer streak.

Berkman currently is tied for a rather obscure record: he and Lou Gehrig hold the record for longest streak of home runs hit on the same day. The Puma has hit a home run on every September 21st since 2001. If he hits a home run this Sunday, he will break the record. Cool, if meaningless.

2) Player development.

Pence, Bourn, Reggie, Maysonet, and Towles are the only Major-League talent the Astros have that is anywhere close to "young." Hopefully they will all get more time at the plate and on the field, and we will begin to see where the Astros will be heading. Bourn and Pence are obviously the heart of that talent, while Towles hopefully can get better. We don't really have anything else in the farm system (except for Bogusevic) that is anywhere close to being ready.

3) Winning season.

On some level, we have to see Ed Wade's mission as a success. He was charged with making this shitty club compete. Well, the Astros competed and came pretty fucking close to a playoff berth. A winning season, if nothing else, will at least make Houston more attractive to free agents. Now let's see what Wade can do for reals.

4) LaTroy Hawkins.

I'm curious as to whether his 0.00 ERA (as a Good Guy) can hold until the end of the season. It would certainly be a turnaround from his first half with the Yankees.

Otherwise, there's really not much going for the Astros right now.

And if the Texans can't get anything started, it's going to be a long month while waiting for basketball season.