Game 16: Astros at Phillies (3/3)

Houston Astros: 6-9
Philadelphia Phillies: 7-8

Brandon Backe (1-1 2.25 ERA, 0-0 6.75 ERA)
Brett Myers (1-1 5.00 ERA, 2-2 5.59 ERA)

Projected lineups:

Bourn CF N/A
Loretta 2B 6/18, 1 RBI, .333/.368/.333
Berkman 1B 2/14, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .143/.294/.357
Lee LF 3/5, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .600/.600/1.800
Tejada SS 2/3, 1 RBI, .667/.800/1.000
Blum 3B 0/6, .000/.143/.000
Pence RF N/A
Ausmus C 5/11, .455/.500/.545
Backe P

Werth CF 0/3
Utley 2B 0/2, 1 RBI
Burrell LF 0/1, .000/.500/.000
Howard 1B 1/2, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .500/.500/2.000
Jenkins RF 3/7, 1 RBI, .429/.429/.571
Feliz 3B 0/2
Coste C N/A
Bruntlett SS N/A
Myers P

The offense has to get going. For the most part, they've been shut down the past two games, and even over the entire season, I don't think they're hitting as well as they can yet. The problems may start and end with Ryan Howard. With Utley and Burrell hitting well, Howard's the guy in the middle of the lineup that's yet to get off the ground. It's only a matter of time.

Once again, without Rollins and Victorino, no one knows what's going on at the top of the lineup. I still think Werth leading off and sliding Utley up one is the best idea. Hopefully one or both of them can make it back soon.