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by Digger

The Houston Astros were on a roll. Winners in 14 of 15 contests, including 9 of 10 to begin September. Suddenly, Hurricane Ike took aim at Texas. Houston was to host a two game series vs division leading Chicago Cubs. Due to catastrophic conditions, Major League Baseball thought it was best to change venues and Astros players are still miffed.

At the center of this new storm is Commissioner Bud Selig's decision to send Houston to play in Milwaukee. Another in a series of never ending gaffe's by the former Milwaukee Brewers owner. It was understandable Houston needed to play in another city not to disrupt MLB's schedule. However, selecting Milwaukee to host a game featuring a Chicago team was pathetically unwise. Here's why.........

First off, Selig once owned the Brewers. Second, Milwaukee is a stone throw from Chicago. Most of the 23,441 who came to the game were Chicago fans rooting for their Cubs or Milwaukee fans rooting against Houston... hardly a home crowd environment for the host and displaced Astros. Third, making Houston travel so far north on short rest, if any, was not prudent when many other stadiums from college to pro were within striking distance of Houston. Fourth, by selecting Milwaukee baseball once again has put money & greed ahead of competitive fairness. Fifth, the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros are two of three teams fighting for a Wild Card birth. Of course most nothern Milwaukee fans would be rooting against a southern team from Texas. Sixth, a major conflict of interest was put on display due to Selig's former Milwaukee connections. Seventh, baseball is screaming for a new impartial Commissioner... of course, everyone except the current owners.

Quotes reported by Sunday's Houston Chronicle (9/21/08), Astros players sounded off:

(Lance Berkman) "Major League Baseball has always valued the dollar more than they do the individual, the players and their families," Lance Berkman said, according to the Houston Chronicle on Sunday. "That's illustrated in things like playing through a lightning storm in Chicago [on Aug. 4].

"The most important thing is getting the game in so you don't lose the gate and you don't lose the revenue. That's A-No. 1. And then if in the course of that you can work it around where players aren't affected, that's a distant second. That's one reason why players try to exploit the system to the max because they know they're being treated the same way. That's a sad part of the game."

(Doug Brocail) "The thing is we had days at the end of the season that we could have played a single game plus a doubleheader if need be," Brocail said, according to the Chronicle. "And to make us go up and play at North Wrigley like we had to on no sleep, it was absolutely ridiculous. If it was New York or Boston, it would have been played at the end of the season.

"I truly believe that, and I think 99.9 percent of our teammates believe that. But no, we're the Houston Astros."

Players have every right to be upset. In responce to flack created by baseball's newest controversy, Selig released a full page ad for distribution in Sunday's Houston Chronicle. It reads:

(Selig) "In making the decision to play there, I recognized the advantage the Cubs would have in playing in such close proximity to Chicago and had there been a better option, I would have taken it," the ad read. "All of us involved in the decision regret the frustration the Astros and their fans felt about playing two games in Milwaukee.

"As Commissioner, my job is to balance many competing needs, while also finishing the season on time so the Postseason can begin as scheduled. Hurricane Ike disrupted many things, including the baseball schedule and I regret its impact on Astros fans. I have heard your complaints and I understand the impact this storm has had on the lives of Texans and Houston-area residents in particular.

"Sincerely,

"Allan H. (Bud) Selig

"Commissioner of Baseball"

Well, this is more hogwash coming out of the commissioners office. Selig readily admits the Cubs had a distinct advantage playing so close to their home city of Chicago. What he failed to admit, was his hometown Milwaukee team is also competing against Houston for advancement into this years National League Playoffs.

Hurricane Ike's tailwinds are still being felt. Houston no only lost to Chicago in Milwaukee... they were no hit by Carlos Zambrano. In the second game, Chicago starter Ted Lilly carried a no hitter into the 7th inning. Houston got smoked in both games. Their woes continued having lost 6 of 8 since being displaced by Ike. Astros players and fans have every right to be upset.

As a baseball fan, it's disturbing how MLB under Selig's leadership has been able to sidestep yearly scandals. Drugs, collusion, steroids, tainted records, gambling, questionable ownership transfers... Fortunately or unfortunately, this one has flown completely under the radar. Ike's impact took headlines front and center. Political climates have also peaked attracting much attraction. Sports reporters seem content focusing on the Mets & Brewers flounders, Yankee Stadium closing, Tampa Bay, football season etc... to paint any pictures.

Astros players shouldn't try to blame their season on this mini-drama. Games lost in April are just as important, if not more, than games lost in September. Heading into tonight's action, the 'Stros sit on the outside looking in... 4 games out with 7 to play. Odds are their end of season surge was too late as there's not enough time left hurdle two teams. One factor is in their favor. Both the Mets and Milwaukee are slumping. There's no room for error in Houston's season. Let go of Hurricane Ike distractions... play ball and let it go!