10 Years Later: How the Houston Astros Got to This Point

Doldrums 

Sep 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman

(29) reacts to getting hit by a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

2009 – 2013 really can be all lumped together in a way. I could go through each season, but it would be painful to do so. At the beginning of this stretch it sort of felt like we are being kicked while we are down. By the end of this stretch, losing really did not matter anymore. McLane only seemed focused on selling the team, and Ed Wade was strapped to a chair with his hands tied. Wade lacked a fair shot in Houston, with no farm system, limited resources to spend, and an owner who fired his staff relatively fast. For anyone to blame Ed Wade for the demise of this franchise, I find it to be silly and uneducated.

A sad story that looked apparent in 2009-2010, was Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman. These guys are Houston heroes, guys that every Astros player should look up to. Human nature however I felt took over. Both Houston legends are not stupid, and know their clock was ticking to win a World Series. The Houston Astros showed absolutely no chance of doing so, and they looked uninspired at times.

With an owner pushing rebuilding away for years, the two finally were granted their trades in 2010. Berkman, struggling that season found his way to the Yankees, and Oswalt to the Phillies. Both deals turned out to be failures in terms of the return, with Mark Melancon being the only quality player retrieved. Everyone may remember “top prospect” Brett Wallace coming to the Astros to be Berkman’s replacement. Wallace in recent memory may be regarded as the biggest bust the fans have seen.

Next: Redemption