Francisco Cordero is not the man

For the second straight night Francisco Cordero served up a go-ahead hit to Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs in the ninth inning. Cordero’s line was almost identical to the night before: 3 runs allowed, a blown save, and a loss in only 2/3 of an inning.  Cordero exited the Minute Maid Park playing field to a chorus of boos from the frustrated fans that desperately wanted to see the Astros end their eight game losing streak.

The 37 year-old Cordero  is obviously not the answer for the Astros at closer. The Reds let Cordero go after last season and he signed a Free Agent contract with the Blue Jays over the winter. Things didn’t go well for Cordero in Toronto and the Astros hoped that a change of scenery might help the veteran reboot his career. That hasn’t happened. Cordero seems to be struggling with his control. Perhaps it is a release point issue that Doug Brocail can help him get ironed out. Perhaps the guy is just over-the-hill and will never be the same again. Only time will tell. Let’s just hope it’s the former.

Blue Jays fans were happy to see Cordero traded, probably as much as Astro fans were happy to see J.A. Happ sent packing. Both guys failed to live up to expectations for their respective teams and both have gotten off to inauspicious starts since being dealt for each other last week.

For now, a beleaguered Brad Mills needs to reassess his bullpen situation. Wilton Lopez would be the logical replacement for Cordero as the closer. But Mills rarely makes decisions based on logic, so I wouldn’t bet on Lopez. Mills tends to repeat his mistakes so I’m going to assume that Cordero will be given at least a few more chances.

The Astros have now lost nine straight games and I see no reason to believe the streak will end any time soon. Lame duck manager Brad Mills is managing with all the intensity of a DMV worker. What are we waiting for? Fire Mills now!